Consider the following statements:

In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee

1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.

2. prepares the draft development plans for the metropolitan area.

3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government-sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is 1 and 2 only.

Key Points

• Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC):
  • Article 243 ZE of Part IX-A of the Indian Constitution provides for the establishment of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC). Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Constitution mandates the formation of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) in all metropolitan areas with a million-plus population.
  • Metropolitan Planning Committee was formed in every metropolitan area to prepare a draft development plan for the Metropolitan area as a whole. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
  • MPC helps in draft planning and not in implementing Government-sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • Every Metropolitan Planning Committee shall, in preparing the draft development plan,
    • have regard to-
      1. the plans prepared by the Municipalities and the Panchayats in the Metropolitan area;
      2. matters of common interest between the Municipalities and the Panchayats, including co-ordinated spatial planning of the area, sharing of water and other physical and natural resources, the integrated development of infrastructure and environmental conservation;
      3. the overall objectives and priorities set by the Government of India and the Government of the State;
      4. the extent and nature of investments likely to be made in the Metropolitan area by agencies of the Government of India and of the Government of the State and other available resources whether financial or otherwise;
      5. consult such institutions and organisations as the Governor may, by order, specify.