Levels Of Planning

A planning process can be either single-level or multi-level. In the single-level planning, the
formulation of plans and decision making are done at the national level. On the other hand, in the
multi-level planning process, the national territory is divided into small territorial units, their
number depending upon the size of the country, the administrative, the geographical and cultural
settings.
Before the Amendment of the Constitution in 1992, the task of plan formulation was basically
carried out by the Centre and the State governments. The other levels (district, block, and village)
of the planning process came into the picture only at the implementation stage of planning.
Levels Of Planning
To maintain the continuity in the planning process, following Levels of planning are considered;
1.Local planning 2.Country planning 3.Regional planning 4.National planning 5.International
planning.

Local Planning
Planning is based on creation of healthful living and working environment for the majority of the
inhabitants of the town with due consideration to the physical background, economic limitations,
public administration, finance and change in technology, etc.
The development plan for city or town aims at proper distribution of population densities,
regulation of green belts, suitable division of the area in various zone of the area in various zone,
etc.The population is spread over the town uniformly keeping the density as low as possible.
Largely influenced by the economic conditions for the development of the town.Zones are formed
and traffic regulations are maintained.

Country Planning
The planning aims surrounding a town. A town is surrounded by villages and rural planning
becomes necessary for the proper functioning of town. For this surrounding villages should be
linked up with suitable transport facilities. Encouragement should be given for the growth of
small scale industries such as dairy , poultry forming, basket and rope making, hand looms etc.
Planning aims to achieve proper balance between agriculture and industries.The country should
be allowed to develop on orderly manner and pre-determined lines.There should be hapazard
methods in the planning.
Regional Planning
Regional planning helps in controlling and reshaping major towns in the region. Term region is
used to define as an area separated not merely or exclusively by natural boundaries but equally
by political or administrative boundaries. Four methods of determining a region is advocated;
1.Geographic boundaries,
2.Economic considerations
3.Administrative convenience
4.Metropolitan influence
Region includes the territory lying within easy reach such as 15 to 50 km and containing number
of villages and town ships.
Country planning cannot be seperated from town and regional planning, because the town and
country are not two separate entities but are complementary to each other.
Regional planning avoids the wasteful duplication of facilities.It helps to develop the region in a
co-ordinated manner.It ensures the most profitable utilization of the resources at minimum
expense for the maximum benefit.
Provides information regarding the economic functions. It grants mutual control over the areas
in the region and grants planned and harmonious development.Involves planning in terms of
regional dimensions. It reveals new town-planning and building principles. It serves as a link of
co-operation and co-ordination between the areas of the region.
It deals with planning of regional highways, regional support,regional water supply, drainage
etc.
It also takes into account the overall development of towns, villages in the region and provides
sites foe new towns for rehabilatation for the displaced persons from the main city.

National Planning
National planning involves careful study of the social, education, economic, industrial and other
problems facing a country and suggests measures to be adopted to obtain realistic solution
thereto.
It accounts for country‟s existing and potential resources in men, materials, power,
manufacturing industry, etc and draw out a phased programme of action for achieving the targets
set in the various spheres of activity.
Whole country is considered as a single unit and an overall picture of development is kept in
view, while striving to strike a balance between the various statesIt helps to utilize the national
resources in the best possible way for the development of the nation. Works of national
importance such as Railways, Irrigation, Heavy Industries,Hydro- electric works comes under
national planning. .In India, the various five year plans are an example of National Planning.

International Planning
International planning came in to picture with the formation of United Nation Organization
(UNO).It aims at promoting co-operation, goodwill among differnt nations of the world.It
involves numerous study and surveys in the fields such as health, education, housing, food and
agriculture. The studies helps in findingout remedies and solutions of complicated problems at
an international level. UNESCO, WHO, LIC, GROUP 8 SUMMIT, SAARC, UNISEF.