Development Standing Committee

Here is the English translation for the note on the Development Standing Committee:

Development Standing Committee

The Development Standing Committee is one of the most critical committees leading the growth of production sectors and infrastructure in the Local Self-Government Institutions (Gramat Panchayat, Block Panchayat, and District Panchayat) of Kerala.

This committee plays a decisive role in formulation of the Panchayat's Annual Plans and in consolidating and implementing the developmental demands raised in the Grama Sabhas. Its main responsibilities, structure, and functions are detailed below:

Main Duties and Core Functional Areas

1. Agriculture & Animal Husbandry:

  • Formulate schemes to promote paddy and vegetable cultivation, and distribute seeds and fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates.

  • Implement animal husbandry projects such as dairy development, poultry farming, and goat rearing.

  • Oversee the functioning of Krishi Bhavans and veterinary hospitals.

2. Infrastructure Development:

  • Plan the construction, tarring, and re-tarring of Panchayat roads, as well as the construction of bridges and culverts.

  • Monitor the installation and maintenance of streetlights.

  • Prepare projects for constructing and renovating public buildings (offices, community halls, markets).

3. Soil & Water Conservation and Small-scale Irrigation:

  • Renovate canals and ponds, and construct sidewalls to protect them.

  • Set up systems to deliver water to agricultural lands through small-scale irrigation projects.

  • Construct check dams and rainwater harvesting structures.

4. Small-Scale Industries and Employment Opportunities:

  • Provide necessary technical and financial assistance to start local small enterprises and cottage industries.

  • Promote traditional industrial sectors such as coir, handloom, and pottery.

Composition of the Committee

  • Members: It consists of 3 to 5 members (depending on the size of the Panchayat) elected from among the ward members of the Panchayat governing body based on the system of proportional representation.

  • Chairperson: The committee members elect one person from among themselves as the Chairperson of the Development Standing Committee. Senior members of the Panchayat usually hold this position.

  • Convenor (Implementing Officer): Generally, the Assistant Engineer (AE) or the Agricultural Officer (AO) of the Panchayat serves as the convenor or implementing officer of this committee.

Mode of Operation

The role of this committee is monumental during the drafting stage of the local body's development plans (Plan Projects).

  1. Every year, the committee reviews the development proposals forwarded by the Grama Sabhas and Working Groups.

  2. It prioritizes these proposals and directs the Convenor to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPR).

  3. The projects approved by this committee are then submitted to the Panchayat Governing Body (General Body) and subsequently to the District Planning Committee (DPC) for final sanction. Once approved, funds are allocated, and the tender process begins.

Points to Note: While the Panchayat President serves as the head of the governing body, the Development Standing Committee Chairperson manages the highest share of development funds and projects next to the overall administrative leadership, driving the physical execution of development on the ground.