The need for integrated local area plans, based on specific endowments and
needs of each area, was stressed from the beginning of planned development.
However, despite several reports and studies, only sporadic efforts and isolated cases of
such planning could be located. It has therefore been decided by the Govt. of India that
the 'District Plan Process' should be an integral part of the process of preparation of
State's NEXT Five Year Plan. This was emphasised by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in his
address to the National Development Council (NDC).
Concerned by the slow growth in the agriculture and allied sectors, the National Development Council (NDC), in its meeting held on 29 May 2007 conceived a
special Additional Central Assistance Scheme (ACA) and passed a resolution to that effect.
NDC Resolution
"GoI will introduce a new Additional Central Assistance scheme to
incentivise States to draw up plans for their agriculture sector more
comprehensively, taking agro-climatic conditions, natural resource
issues and technology into account, and integrating livestock, poultry
and fisheries, etc. This will involve a new scheme for Additional
Central Assistance (ACA) to State Plans, administered by the Union
Ministry of Agriculture over and above its existing Centrally Sponsored
schemes, to supplement the State-specific strategies including special
schemes for beneficiaries of land reforms. The newly created
National Rainfed Area Authority will, on request, assist States in
planning for rainfed areas".