Panchayat Resource Mapping to  Panchayat-level Planning in Kerala: An Analytical Study (Abstract)

 Srikumar Chattopadhyay, P. Krishna Kumar & K. Rajalakshmi*

In the present study, an attempt has been made to understand the process of translating Panchayat  Resource Mapping programme (PRM) to Panchayat Level Planning (PLP) in Kerala. The study has incorporated the ongoing People’s Planning Campaign in the panchayats in the State.

The issues which emerged and their implications are summarised here:

(i) Panchayat Resource Mapping programme has introduced  a new dimension to local level, resource-based Plan formulation;

(ii) PRM has given confidence to people to participate in scientific and technical activities and the information generated by them are found extremely useful;

(iii) This  is  a  big  step  towards  empowerment. Literacy  empowers the individual, but resource mapping empowers the society;

(iv) However, as  technical skills are involved, adequate preparatory work on the part of the panchayat is essential. There have been a  number of instances in which PRM could not be completed due to lack of proper ground preparation;

(v) A  technical  support  group,  preferably  in the vicinity of the Krishi  Bhavan, needs  to  be developed to conduct not only PRM, but the planning exercise as well;

 (vi) The methods and techniques of spatial planning and the  philosophy of PRM are  to be disseminated fully among the local population;

 (vii) PRM  data  are not adequate  for total Plan preparation; collection of supplementary data is needed. A comprehensive data bank may be developed at the panchayat level for this purpose. Data at the extreme micro level, of the individual plots should be prepared;

 (viii) All modern scientific and  technological advancements, like high resolution remote sensing, geographical information system and information technology, should be used with direct people’s involvement in resource survey, management, and development;   

 (ixi) Voluntary  agencies  should  help the process at the initial stages, but over the time, their  role should become progressively  smaller. However, they  should   keep track of the developments taking place in the panchayat and safeguard the panchayat from turning into the conventional type of a government agency.

 (x) Development   programmes may be  worked out  on  the basis of micro watershed. Such an exercise would not only help address the issues rationally since watersheds are  not only natural units, but they also provide a framework  for hierarchical data  consolidation. Gradually,  the  panchayat  boundaries  have  to be approximated to the natural boundaries, for which watersheds are useful. 

 (xi) Traditional skill upgradation  should  be given importance while panchayat planning is undertaken.

 (xii) Neighbourhood groups, self-help groups, users’ groups, and similar other groups may  be  encouraged  to  take  up  the  PRM  programme  under  the  aegis  of panchayat. This   will  ensure continuous people’s participation and keep alive the excitement of creativity.

 (xiii) A  Panchayat  Development  Society  involving  people  cutting  across political, social, and  economic  frontiers and involving voluntary agencies,  local technical personnel, panchayat elders and other knowledgeable groups may be formed within the frame work of panchayat.

 (xiv) Institutes and line departments may be specifically directed to co-operate with the  panchayat and also adopt panchayat for total development.

 (xv) A vibrant panchayat system acting as the nodal agency  with assistance from voluntary agency or people’s science  groups  and  a  committed  technical support  group,  could be the ideal set-up. Krishi Bhavan, if  properly reorganised, could form the most appropriate nodal agency for executing PRM and preparation of  panchayat Plan.

 (xvi) Effective people’s participation may  be ensured only through panchayats. Despite their shortcomings, panchayats are the best option to venture into local-level development. All efforts  should be directed to make the panchayat capable and efficient.

 (xvii) As PRM is emerging as an essential pre-requisite for panchayat-level planning, a technical body specially created to co-ordinate and guide PRM activities in the State may be formed in the pattern of the Literacy Mission, with a specific mandate and time frame.

* Srikumar Chattopadhyay is Scientist - E-2 at Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram. P. Krishnakumar worked as Project Fellow and is now associated with Planning Cell, State Planning Board, Government of Kerala. K. Rajalakshmi, who worked  as Project Fellow, is now preparing her Ph.D dissertation.