Decentralised Planning Definition And Their Classification

A kind of economy that is distributed among different government agencies can be known as decentralisation. When decentralised planning is implemented in a country or a state, it can benefit immensely. 

Sometimes situations arise wherein the central can decide to hand over some of its powers to the state government. In a vast country like India, it has happened before in several states. They, in turn, have handed over some of the powers to the local government agencies. 

It was brought about in India in 1957 itself. The then government had appointed the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee. They were responsible for recommending it to the constitution. The elected local bodies could receive some power from the central government. 

They could implement the decisions based on the powers that were handed over to them. With this in mind, the Panchayati Raj System came into existence. From the time they have been implemented, the First Plan’s main aim is to ensure operational planning and participation. 

In 1969, the Planning Commission provided some guidelines for district planning. These guidelines helped the district level government agencies make decisions in their respective regions. 

Some more guidelines were issued in 1977 by the M.L. Dantewala working group committee. They suggested some measures to be introduced for block-level planning. This was a major milestone in the Panchayat Raj system in India. 

The report on the Panchayat Raj was submitted by the Ashok Mehta Committee in 1978. Finally, decentralisation was implemented in India in 1984. The Economic Advisory Council made some more changes in the report, and it was presented to the Prime Minister. 

It was then accepted under the Seventh Plan by the Planning Commission of India. Since then, there have been little or no changes to the centralised planning. However, changes may occur if the current government or future ruling parties decide. 

Decentralised Planning Definition

The decentralised planning definition would mean embracing a wide range of concepts. One might find a barrage of concepts that must be researched. Once it is found out that the project is destined to benefit from decentralisation, it can be implemented. 

They can be related to service delivery, administrative, and financial systems. Decentralisation refers to the handover or the transfer of the responsibility of partial functions to the subordinate agency. 

Classification Of Decentralised Planning

Decentralisation can either be administrative, political, or financial related. There are different kinds of decentralisation that are useful for showcasing the various programmes. Some of the policies can be implemented even in the managerial area. 

We will be dealing only with the governmental or political aspect of decentralisation. As we read, we will understand that there is no need for a comprehensive approach. They can be implemented depending on the country that they are based in. 

Political Decentralisation

This form of decentralisation is commonly used in many countries and states as well. Through this mode, local governmental agencies, with the partnership of citizens, make beneficial decisions. 

In India, most governmental agencies often neglect the rural areas due to a lack of manpower. With the implementation of Panchayat raj in these states, the villages, blocks, and other regions garner governmental support. 

Having greater participation involving the local residents ensures that the society benefits. Local agencies’ decisions tend to play a better role than those made by national political authorities. 

They satisfy the needs and the requirements of the constituencies. It requires the development of a few statutory reforms and the development of legislatures. There can also be the creation of local governmental agencies with the help of local political blocks. 

Administrative Decentralisation

This is a very important group of the decentralisation process. They are in charge of distributing the financial and offering public services for the public under their jurisdiction. They deal with the financing, planning, and management of public work. 

There are three groups under which they work. We have discussed them briefly as follows:

1. Deconcentration

   It is used mainly in unitary states. The government agencies can make authority and financial decisions. It is thought to be the weakest form of decentralisation. This form of method is mainly used in provinces and districts.

2. Delegation  A delegation consists of members appointed by the central government. Using them, the government transfers their powers for making decisions. They resemble more of a semi-autonomous organisation. They take part in transportation authorities, public enterprises, and housing authorities. These groups are also responsible for special service districts, corporations, school districts, regional development, and  special projects.
3. Devolution  If the government is devolved, the authority is transferred to the local authorities. It is done having some corporate status. They consist of the council members and the mayors of the town or city.

   These individuals can make their own independent decisions regarding investments and developments. Of course, they have specific boundaries within which they can do their development work.

How Can Decentralization Be Improved

Decentralisation can be improved through the given below methods:

1. 1. • Implementing the right kind of centralisation methods
      • Training and enhancing the managers with the proper skills
      • Offering the right kind of communication
      • Providing the right kind of controls for the process
      • Enabling the right type of dispersion methods

Conclusion

In this post, we learned about the decentralisation definition and its classification. We also came to understand their positive effects on society, especially in the rural areas. Obviously, for a large population like India, the Panchayat Raj system is essential & important.