The People's Plan Campaign (PPC) in Kerala
The People's Plan Campaign (PPC), also known as the Kerala Model of Decentralized Planning, was a groundbreaking initiative launched in Kerala in 1996.
It was implemented during the Ninth Five Year Plan period in Kerala, marking a significant shift in development strategy.
Core Principles and Philosophy
A fundamental principle of the PPC was that local people are better equipped to understand and decide on their area's needs than distant bureaucrats. This promoted a bottom-up planning approach.
It aimed at decentralizing planning and governance, transferring power, functions, and funds to Local Self-Governments (LSGIs), including Panchayats and Municipalities.
The campaign was designed to ensure maximum popular participation in all stages of development planning, from identifying needs to formulating projects and monitoring their implementation.
Key Features and Implementation
The PPC effectively empowered the Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) and Ward Sabhas, making them the basic units for identifying local needs and priorities.
It mandated that a significant portion (initially around 35-40%) of the state's plan funds be earmarked for LSGIs, giving them financial autonomy for local development.
The process involved detailed participatory workshops, training for elected representatives and volunteers, and systematic data collection at the local level.
It aimed to reduce bureaucratic control and replace it with people-centric decision-making, fostering local ownership of development projects.
Significance and Impact
The PPC is widely regarded as a major contributor to the unique characteristics of the Kerala Model of Development, particularly its achievements in human development indicators.
It aligned with the spirit of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies Act, 1992), which institutionalized decentralized governance in India.
This campaign transformed governance in Kerala by bringing planning closer to the people and enhancing accountability at the local level.
It served as a successful model for other states and countries seeking to implement effective decentralized planning and participatory development.
