HPAS 2025 GS2 Question 4

HPAS 2025 Mains GS-2 Question 4

Discuss the role of the Deputy Commissioner in Rural Development.

Solution:

The Deputy Commissioner (DC), as the administrative head of the district, plays a pivotal role in rural development. In many states, including Himachal Pradesh, the DC also functions as the District Development Commissioner, serving as the fulcrum for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all developmental activities in rural areas.

1. Implementation of Anti-Poverty Programmes

The DC is primarily responsible for the execution of central and state-sponsored poverty alleviation schemes:

• MGNREGA: As the District Programme Coordinator, the DC ensures the right to work for rural households and monitors the creation of durable assets.
• PMAY-G: Oversees the “Housing for All” initiative, ensuring that funds reach eligible rural beneficiaries.
• Social Security: Implementation of various pension schemes (Widow, Old Age, Disability) and welfare measures at the grassroots level.

2. Head of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)

The DC traditionally acts as the Chief Executive Officer or Chairman of the DRDA (which is often merged into the Rural Development Department in HP):

• Ensures effective utilization of funds intended for rural infrastructure and employment.
• Coordinates between different line departments (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Public Health) to build synergies.
• Selects implementing agencies and releases funds for schemes like MPLADS and MLALADS.

3. Planning and Coordination

The DC acts as the Member Secretary of the District Planning and Development Board:

The DC bridges the gap between the State Government and the PRIs, ensuring that the local plans (Gram Panchayat Development Plans) align with the overall district goals.

• Coordinates the “PM Gati Shakti” and other infrastructure projects to improve rural connectivity.
• Supervises the work of Block Development Officers (BDOs) and the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

4. Natural Calamities and Crisis Management

In rural areas, the DC is the primary authority for relief and rehabilitation during disasters (floods, landslides, droughts). They act as the Chairman of the **District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)**, assessing crop damage and distributing compensations to affected farmers.

Concise Model Answer (150-Word Limit)

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) is the chief coordinator of rural development at the district level. Acting as the **District Development Commissioner**, the DC ensures the effective implementation of flagship schemes like **MGNREGA**, **PM Awas Yojana (PMAY-G)**, and rural sanitation programmes.

Major roles include:

1. Executive Function: Serving as the Chairman of the **District Rural Development Agency (DRDA)**, overseeing poverty alleviation and social security measures.
2. Coordination: Acting as the link between the government and **Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)**, guiding BDOs, and supervising the execution of the District Development Plan.
3. Financial Oversight: Monitoring the allocation and utilization of funds for rural infrastructure, MPLADS, and MLALADS.
4. Disaster Relief: Heading the **DDMA** to provide immediate compensation and rehabilitation to rural communities during natural calamities.

Ultimately, the DC acts as the “measuring rod of efficiency” in rural administration, ensuring that development benefits reach the last mile.