Article 243G of the Constitution provides that the Legislature of a State may, by law, endow the Panchayats to be effective instruments of self-government and may provide for the devolution of powers and responsibilities upon Panchayats at the appropriate level, subject to specified conditions, with respect to the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice and the implementation of schemes for economic development and social justice as may be entrusted to them including those in relation to matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule. 

In terms of above constitutional mandate, Gram Panchayats have been preparing Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and as per respective GPDP guidelines, which also provides for formation Gram PanchayatPlanning Facilitation Team (GPPFT) having representation from well meaning/ philanthropic/ voluntary human resources and sectoral/ line department officials at GP level, for accomplishment of all the task of preparing GPDP and also helping in effective implementation and monitoring. The Ministry regularly monitor’s the exercise and issues suitable advisories to States/ UTs from time to time as required. By and large the process for formulation of GPDP is found to be satisfactory.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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APS/IA/JK