Development Standing Committee
Development Standing Committee
Development Standing Committee
The Development Standing Committee is one of the most important committees in Local Self-Government Institutions in Kerala, including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats and District Panchayats. It plays a major role in leading the development of productive sectors and basic infrastructure.
The committee has a crucial role in preparing the Panchayat's Annual Plans, consolidating development needs received from Gram Sabhas, and facilitating their implementation.
Major Responsibilities and Areas of Activity
01. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry
- Formulate projects to promote paddy cultivation and vegetable farming, and distribute seeds and fertilizers to farmers with subsidies.
- Implement animal husbandry projects such as dairy development, poultry farming and goat rearing.
- Monitor the functioning of Veterinary Hospitals and Krishi Bhavans.
02. 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 street lights.
- Prepare projects for the construction and renovation of public buildings such as offices, halls and markets.
03. Soil and Water Conservation & Small-Scale Irrigation
- Renovate canals and ponds and protect their sides through suitable construction and maintenance works.
- Develop systems to provide water to agricultural land through small-scale irrigation projects.
- Construct rainwater harvesting systems and check dams.
04. Small-Scale Industries and Employment
- Provide the necessary technical and financial assistance for starting small-scale enterprises and cottage industries at the local level.
- Promote traditional industries such as coir, handloom and pottery.
Committee Structure
Members
The committee consists of 3 to 5 members, depending on the size of the Panchayat, elected from among the elected Ward Members of the Panchayat Administration according to the principle of proportional representation.
Chairperson
The committee members elect one among themselves as the Chairperson of the Development Standing Committee. Senior members of the Panchayat generally occupy this position.
Convener / Implementing Officer
Generally, the Assistant General Engineer (AE) or Agricultural Officer (AO) of the Panchayat serves as the Implementing Officer or Convener of the committee.
Working Method
The committee plays a significant role during the preparation of development projects (Plan Projects) of Local Self-Government Institutions.
1. Examination of Development Proposals
Every year, the committee examines development proposals received from Gram Sabhas and Working Groups.
2. Setting Priorities
The proposals are arranged according to priority, and the Convener is instructed to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs).
3. Submission for Final Approval
The projects approved by the committee are submitted to the Panchayat Administration (General Body) and subsequently to the District Planning Committee (DPC) for final approval. Once approval is received, funds are allocated and the projects proceed to the tendering process.
Major Areas of the Development Standing Committee
| Area | Major Activities |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Promotion of agriculture, distribution of seeds and fertilizers, and farmer support |
| Animal Husbandry | Dairy development, poultry farming, goat rearing and related projects |
| Infrastructure | Roads, bridges, culverts, street lights and public buildings |
| Water Conservation | Canals, ponds, irrigation, rainwater harvesting and check dams |
| Employment & Industry | Small-scale enterprises, cottage industries and traditional industries |
Important Information
According to the Panchayat Raj legislation in Kerala, the President of the Grama Panchayat serves as the Chairperson of the Finance Standing Committee. After the President, the Chairperson of the Development Standing Committee plays a major role in handling development funds and coordinating development projects in the Panchayat.
In Summary
The Development Standing Committee is a key committee responsible for transforming development needs raised through Gram Sabhas into projects and leading the development of basic infrastructure and productive sectors within the Panchayat.