Explain District Planning Committee.

The District Planning Committee (DPC) is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Constitution of India and the relevant state legislation to facilitate decentralized planning and local governance at the district level. The primary purpose of the DPC is to prepare and implement district-level development plans and policies that address the socio-economic needs and priorities of the local population.

The composition of the DPC typically includes elected representatives from various tiers of local government, such as members of the district council, municipalities, panchayats, and other relevant stakeholders. The DPC is responsible for coordinating and integrating development initiatives across different sectors, including agriculture, education, health, infrastructure, and rural development, to ensure holistic and inclusive development in the district.

The DPC plays a crucial role in promoting participatory decision-making, citizen engagement, and accountability in the planning process, by soliciting inputs from local communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. By facilitating bottom-up planning and decentralized governance, the DPC aims to empower local institutions, strengthen democratic processes, and promote sustainable development outcomes at the grassroots level.