17.3.6 : FRAMEWORK OF MULTI-LEVEL PLANNING

The framework of multi-level planning, in the Indian context, is as follows:

1. National Level : At the national level the Planning Commission was established in 1950. It is the central, as well as the supreme authority, in the sphere of planning. It is expected to undertake the tasks of determining the plan priorities and broad allocation of resources to the different undertaking planning for strategic commodities, services required by the whole country and international transactions. It is also entrusted with responsibility of formulating and implementing the programmes related with the betterment of the standard of living of the people.

2. Inter-state Level : The National Development Council, established in 1953, serves as a link between the Union and the States. The issues involving uniform policy, for the whole country are decided by the Union government, the planning Commission and the State governments. The Five Year Plans prepared by the planning Commission are discussed and ratified by the National Development Council.

3. State Level : Most states have evolved their planning machinery during last three decades. They prepare state plans within the framework of the five year plans. The State level planning is more concerned with such activities as agriculture and allied activities and infrastructure provision which will include irrigration, power, roads, transport and provision of social services.

4. District Level : District level planning relates to the preparation of the plans for the development of district, development projects which may be located in the district minor and medium irrigation schemes, small scale industries, agriculture and animal hasbandary, provision of social services within the district.

5. Grassroots Level : The origin of the grass roots level planning can be traced back to “self-sufficient village community” during the ancient and medieval India. However, the village economy was destroyed during the later eighteenth and nineteeth century by the British rulers. During the pre-Independence period, the concept of grass-roots planning was revived by the developmental experiments at Martandam by Dr. Spencer, Shree Niketan of Ravindranath Tagore and the constructive programme propagated by Gandhiji. As a consequence hundreds of developmental projects at the village level were undertaken by the Gandhian workers.

Gandhiji advocated the concept of “Gram Swaraj”, which in planning terminology implies grass - roots planning.

In the post-independence period, the Community Development Programme of rural development was launched on 2nd October,

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1952. A new adminstrative structure - Development Block - was evolved as it was felt that village was too small and district, for that matter Taluka or Tehsil, was too large a unit to effectively implement development programmes. Thus a development block comprised of 60 to 75 thousand populations, living in 75 to 100 villages. Development machinery, headed by a Block Development Officer and eight to ten village level workers was provided. There was no specific reference to the block level planning but developmental work was assigned to the grass root level entity.

The Study Team headed by Balwatrai Mehta recommended democratic decentralisation, including the development and planning and to provide pivotal role to the intermediate tier, i.e. the Block level organization. Another significant aspect was the recommendations regarding the Gram Sabha. The Gram Sabha, the Village Assembly of the entire village population was expected to take decisions regarding the developmental works to be undertaken in the village. Thus grass roots level planning was ever present in the thinking of planners; but owing to inadequacy of the administrative structure, lack of funds and absence of developmental awareness among the rural people, no serious effort was made to practise grassroots level planning.

17.4 QUESTIONS

Write Notes on : 1. Right to information 2. E-Goverance 3. Decentralization

3 Con.42(a)-O7. ( REVISED COURSE ) JL-670 ( 3 Hours ) [ Total Marks : 100 N.B. (1) Attempt any five questions of which at least two

must be from each section.

(2) All questions carry equal marks.

(3) Tie the answer-books of two sections together.

Section I

1. Define Public Administration. Discuss its scope.

2. Discuss the contribution Maxileber to Public Administration.

(a) New Public Management

(b) Good Governance

4. Explain about Legislative control over public Administration.

5. Write short notes (any two) :- (a) New Public Administration.

(b) Herbert simon on Decision making.

(c) Executive control over the Administration.

(d) Change nature of Public Administration.

Section II

6. Explain the Significant features of the India Administrative System.

7. What is budget? Discuss the main stages in the Preparation of budget in India.

8. Explain the composition, role and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.

9. Define Corruption. Discuss the problems of corruption in administration. Suggest measures to minimize corruption.

10. Write short notes (any two) :- (a) Urban Local Government

(b) Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

(c) Public Accounts Committee.

(d) Right to Information.

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(REVISED COURSE)

( 3 Hours ) [Total Marks:100 N.B. (1) Attempt any five questions of which at least two must be from each section.

(2) All questions carry equal marks.

(3) Tie the answer books of two sections together.

Section I

1. Define Public Administration? State the role and importance of Public Administration in Modern State.

2. Explain the following concepts :-

(a) Comparative Administration.

(b) Development Administration.

3. Evaluate Herbertsimon’s views on the Theory of

Decision Making.

4. “The entire administrative machinery comes under the control of the Legislature.” Discuss.

5. Write short notes on any two of the following :- (a) New Public Administration

(b) Scope of Public Administration

(c) Changing nature of public Administration (d) Good Governance

Section II

6. Discuss the provisions made in the constitution of India with regard to India Administrative System.

7. Critically analyze the process of recruitment to All India Services.

8. “Financial Administration is one of the most important aspects of Public Administration.” Comment.

9. Explain about Rural self Governance.

10. Write short notes (any two) :-

(a) People’s Participation in Administration.

(b) Right to Information.

(c) Lok Adalat.

(d) Role of NGO’s.

(REVISED COURSE)

( 3 Hours ) [Total Marks:100 N.B. (1) Attempt any five questions of which at least two must be from each section.

(2) All questions carry equal marks.

(3) Tie the answer books of two sections together.

Section I

1. What is Public Administration? Explain its nature.

2. Review Max Weber’s views on bureaucracy.

3. Give a critical account of ‘New Public Management’ ideology.

4. Explain the Legislative and Judicial control over administration.

5. Write short notes on any two of the following.

(a) Importance of public administration.

(b) McGregor – The Human side of enterprise.

(c) Good Governance

(d) Hebert Simon and decision making.

Section II

6. Explain the significant features of the Indian Administration system.

7. State the process of recruitment of higher Civil Services in India.

8. What is budget? Discuss the main stages in the preparation of budget in India.

9. Write on rural and urban local government in India.

10. Write short notes any two

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