Participatory Planning: The Gram Panchayat Development Plan Process in Keinou Gram Panchayat, Bishnupur District, Manipur

Decentralized planning refers to the process of planning where some of the functions and responsibilities of decision-making are delegated from the Center/State to the local level of administration. It involves the process of providing power and authority to the formally created local bodies and relies heavily on participatory planning. By encouraging local communities to become actively engaged in their own decision-making processes, participatory planning creates opportunities for greater engagement with local issues. This study investigates the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) process within the Keinou Gram Panchayat located in the Bishnupur District of Manipur, India. It examines the extent to which communities are actively involved in local planning activities. Findings from this research indicate that, although the GPDP process provides institutionalised mechanisms such as the Gram Sabha to support and promote participatory planning, levels of community participation vary across different types of community group. This study contributes to a better understanding of grassroots-level planning practices in addition to providing a reminder of the importance of Participatory Planning for achieving sustainable, inclusive rural development.