District-level development in Gujarat is poised for a major transformation after the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) handed over its fourth report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Thursday.
The commission has recommended a sharp rise in district planning budgets and a complete shift to elected-led planning bodies, backed by structural changes aimed at making governance more efficient.
Headed by former Union Finance Secretary Dr Hasmukh Adhia, GARC has proposed increasing district planning budgets by seven to eight times within the next five years, which would translate into nearly Rs 10,000 crore more each year. The funds are expected to strengthen infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment generation at the local level.
The report has also called for replacing the existing District Planning Boards, in operation since 1973, with constitutionally mandated District Planning Committees (DPCs), where elected members will hold the majority.
&ldquo;This would align Gujarat&rsquo;s planning framework with the spirit of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, ensuring true participatory and accountable governance,&rdquo; the report states.
<h3 data-start="1358" data-end="1382">Key reform package</h3>
Alongside the increased funding, the report outlines seven critical reforms:
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<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1464" data-end="1736">
Unified Taluka Planning Committees: All taluka-level schemes and funds, including discretionary grants and Apno Taluko Vibrant Taluko (ATVT) allocations, should come under a single committee. This would avoid duplication of works and minimise bureaucratic delays.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1738" data-end="1955">
Consolidation of Government Resolutions: A unified government order should cover all decentralised planning schemes, defining eligible works, procedures, and timelines while removing contradictory provisions.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="1957" data-end="2206">
Fixed Planning Calendar: A strict annual cycle would begin village-level planning in June&ndash;July, ensure approvals before year-end, and enable projects to roll out by April. This is designed to resolve delays and improve utilisation of funds.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="2208" data-end="2447">
Integrated Planning Software: A GIS-based portal would assign unique IDs to projects, include geo-tagged updates, and create public dashboards. This system would connect planning with financial management for greater transparency.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="2449" data-end="2758">
Rationalisation of Grants and Cadre Strength: Smaller funds, such as incentive and backward area allocations, would be merged under discretionary categories. District offices would be strengthened with additional staff, apprenticeships for engineering students, and opportunities for retired experts.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="2760" data-end="2996">
Monitoring and Accountability: District Collectors would carry out regular reviews, while social audits and performance-based evaluations of officials would be introduced. Awards could be given to the best-performing districts.
</li>
<li style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;" data-start="2998" data-end="3283">
Redefining &lsquo;Backward Talukas&rsquo;: The current classification of 51 &ldquo;vikassheel&rdquo; talukas is still based on 2001 Census and 2006 Cowlagi Committee indicators. A new dynamic index using 45 human development indicators and Sustainable Development Goals would ensure fairer targeting.
</li>
</ol>
<h3 data-start="3285" data-end="3324">Tackling long-standing challenges</h3>
The report underlines serious inefficiencies such as overlapping works by different committees, staff shortages &mdash; with some taluka engineers handling nearly 750 projects annually &mdash; and falling fund utilisation.
In 2024&ndash;25, only 42% of the Rs 1,298 crore decentralised planning budget was utilised, compared to about 85% in 2022&ndash;23.
District funds also remain skewed, with roads consuming more than 40% of allocations, while healthcare receives barely 2%. The report warns: &ldquo;Without recalibration, social infrastructure risks being sidelined in favour of physical works.&rdquo;
<h3 data-start="3906" data-end="3947">Political and administrative impact</h3>
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the reforms are meant to advance Gujarat&rsquo;s long-term vision of &ldquo;Viksit Gujarat @ 2047&rdquo;, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s call for a developed India by 2047.
While GARC&rsquo;s first three reports concentrated on digital governance reforms, this fourth submission shifts the focus to fiscal and structural reforms, empowering districts and villages as the &ldquo;real drivers of development.&rdquo;

GARC Report Pushes 8x Rise in District Budgets

Gujarat’s GARC report seeks massive fund hike and elected-led planning committees

GARC Report Pushes 8x Rise in District Budgets

Gujarat’s GARC report seeks massive fund hike and elected-led planning committees

August 21, 2025 | 20:09 IST