The Hindu Business Line : Decentralised planning in Kerala will focus on local growth

Thiruvananthapuram May 27 The focus of decentralised planning in Kerala during the 11th Plan will be on local economic development to generate additional incomes and more job opportunities.

In keeping with this line of planning, priority will be given to revitalising the agricultural sector, especially food crops. This will require scientific natural resource management through integrated watershed management and joint forest management, according to the guidelines issued by the Government on preparation of the 11th Plan by the local self-governments.

Thrust on SMEs

Emphasis will also be laid on strengthening micro-enterprises and encouraging small and medium enterprises to add value to the local products and market them effectively. The traditional industries, especially those affected by depletion of the natural resource base and agro processing, will be given due attention.

Another thrust area is development of human resources to enable people to tap the growing opportunities in the tertiary sector. The potential of industrial clusters will be fully utilised.

Social justice

Along with local economic development, the planning will also give top priority for ensuring social justice. Anti-poverty sub-plans will be mandatory for the local governments and the `Asraya' programme will be universalised in both rural and urban areas from the current year.

The quality of planning in respect of Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan will be enhanced substantially. And plans will be prepared for each family and habitat on the basis of data to be collected through a survey.

The 11th Plan will also lay stress on improving the quality of public services. The facilities for education and the efforts for attaining of higher standards in education will be stepped up through an integrated planning process covering Central and State-sponsored schemes and local government funds. Similar measures will be taken for improving public health and delivery of health services.

Other focus areas

The other key elements in the area of public services are making common the provision of quality drinking water through community-managed water supply schemes; creating shelter to every poor family under an integrated housing scheme in a phased manner; and implementing energy security through integrated energy plans in every village panchayat, municipality and corporation.

These apart, each local government will prepare a good governance plan aimed at increasing people's participation in planning, implementation and monitoring; ensuring proper upkeep of accounts; introducing e-governance applications for all public services; and preparation of detailed service delivery plans as part of Citizen Charters.