Pallom
Block Panchayat

Panchayati Raj, Decentralized Planning and the Development History of Pallam Block

Following the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments of India, Local Self-Government Institutions were given the right and responsibility to formulate and implement development plans for local economic development and social justice. In addition, these institutions received constitutional recognition and protection.

The Panchayati Raj Act enacted in Kerala in 1994 marked the beginning of a revolutionary movement towards empowering the people. Through this process, local residents and elected representatives jointly decide how their villages should develop and formulate projects according to local needs and specific characteristics. This process introduced a new model of decentralized planning to the world.

This journey towards Gram Swaraj, the dream envisioned by the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, has been advanced in a comprehensive and meaningful manner through the Five-Year Plans.

After implementing the Ninth Five-Year Plan under the name Janakeeya Aasoothranam (People’s Planning) and the Tenth Five-Year Plan under the name Kerala Vikasana Padhathi (Kerala Development Programme), the Eleventh Five-Year Plan was subsequently implemented. Taking into consideration the public opinion that the complexities of the project implementation process were becoming a burden on the projects themselves, the Department of Local Self-Government also took steps to simplify and improve the planning and implementation process.

Evolution of Planning in India

Discussions on planning in India began during the 1930s. These discussions emerged against the backdrop of the international economic situation and the global economic crisis of that period. After independence, the concept of planned development received great importance in India. The system of Five-Year Plans was formally initiated with the First Five-Year Plan in 1951.

Planning involves identifying problems, determining objectives, identifying available resources and possibilities, suggesting solutions, and preparing action programmes based on them. Proper planning is essential for determining the direction of development and ensuring its effective implementation.

India followed a centralized approach to planning during the first eight Five-Year Plans. Development programmes prepared with a sectoral focus were implemented in a centralized manner through various government departments. Although this approach contributed significantly to the development and progress of the country, many fundamental local problems remained unresolved. This was one of the major limitations of centralized planning.

The Twelfth Five-Year Plan was implemented after extensive discussions at various levels, including consultations with the State Planning Board. The overall approach of the Twelfth Five-Year Plan was to ensure the comprehensive development and progress of Local Self-Government Institutions and the people through participatory planning.

Thirteenth Five-Year Plan

During the period of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan, the objective was not only to take Kerala towards a higher trajectory of growth but also to transform the state into an exemplary model of social justice and environmental protection. At the same time, the process of democratization, which forms the foundation of Kerala’s present achievements, was to be strengthened further.

To achieve these objectives, a planning process was required that could be implemented in cooperation with the State Government and Local Self-Government Institutions, while being relatively simple, avoiding unnecessary delays, and ensuring the participation of experts and volunteers. This was the approach adopted during the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan.

Development Priorities of Pallam Block Panchayat

The most serious problems currently faced within the jurisdiction of our Pallam Block Panchayat are the severe shortage of drinking water and the increasing number of agricultural lands lying fallow.

During the period of the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan, the Block Panchayat planned several sincere and meaningful projects to address the drinking water shortage and to bring fallow agricultural lands back into cultivation.

Similarly, projects were planned during this period to address waste management, unemployment, and the welfare needs of persons facing physical and mental challenges.

History of Pallam Block

The functioning of Pallam Block began at the very beginning of the First Five-Year Plan. Initially, the Block Office functioned from a rented building at Pallam, which is now part of Kottayam Municipality.

Later, the present Block Office building was constructed on 2 acres of land donated at Vadavathoor by the respected Shri Thomas Alexander Jacob (Kaithayil Sunny).

Shri Thomas, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, was the first Block Development Officer.

On 2 October 1955, Shri V. B. K. Menon, IAS, laid the foundation stone for the Block Office building.