Article 243ZD: District Planning Committees and local development plans
A GK explainer on Article 243ZD, which provides for a District Planning Committee to consolidate rural and urban local-body plans.
Article 243ZD provides for a District Planning Committee in every state district to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities and prepare a draft development plan for the district.
What the committee does
Article 243ZD is part of the constitutional framework for local self-government. It provides for a District Planning Committee to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities and prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole.
The committee connects rural and urban planning rather than leaving the two systems isolated. Its work can bring together spatial planning, infrastructure, water, transport and other development priorities.
How members are selected
The Constitution says not less than four-fifths of the total number of members are to be elected by and from among elected members of district-level Panchayats and Municipalities, in proportion to the rural and urban population.
State law may provide details about composition, functions, the chairperson and how the draft plan is forwarded. Article 243ZE, by contrast, concerns Metropolitan Planning Committees.
Editorial disclosure
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Frequently asked questions
Which article provides for District Planning Committees?
Article 243ZD.
Which article deals with Metropolitan Planning Committees?
Article 243ZE.