:: Evolution of NRDMS

During this period , national planning exercise was in transition from national to local, while the planning philosophy was sectoral . The Planning commission introduced concept of spatial planning to smaller area levels. Pertinently, vision of the NRDMS programme during its inception was to provide S&T inputs for operationalsing the concept of Decentralized Planning of the country. Goal of the programme was to develop computer compatible methodology for developing spatial databases on natural resources, socio and agro-economic parameters to further the concept of area specific decentralized planning. In order to achieve this goal, the objectives of the programme were:

Data collated and collected from different sources like topo-sheets, aerial survey, satellite imageries, census reports, data from district line departments and from limited surveys were used to convert into computer compatible formats in a common database which was not developed as per database design. Those data were processed to generate outputs like statistical table, thematic maps, charts, diagrams etc. and were considered to be inputs or support to decision-making (Fig.1). The system was not focus to the information requirement of users.

At the end of the first decade, standardized formats and computer-based methodologies for collection, storage and retrieval of data on natural resources and socio-economic parameters were developed. An indigenous DOS based GIS package, Geo Reference Area Management (GRAM) was developed in modular form. On the recommendations of the working group on district planning set up by the Planning Commission and the multi-level planning unit of the Planning Commission, the developed packages were operationalised by establishing ten pilot district database centers at Vishakapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Koraput (Orissa), Sultanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Gurgaon (Haryana), Kheda (Gujarat), Alwar (Rajasthan), Munger (Bihar), Pauri (Uttar Pradesh), Chandel (Manipur), Goa/Daman. The average cost for operationalising the centers was $12,000 per annum. Few Decision support modules for location of amenities, land and water management and investment planning were developed in research mode. The application of NRDMS technology was demonstrated in drought management in the Gurgaon district of Haryana state.

On evaluation of the first decade of NRDMS programme the following shortcomings were observed:

Data

The developed databases were mostly non-spatial and not much spatial data were there. Due to inefficient inter-sectoral data flow, developed databases were not integrated in nature and didn’t serve the information need of local level planners. In spite of huge amount of data collected, little of it was available in computer readable form.

Technology

Exorbitant cost of imported equipment and software packages on Relational Data Base Management (RDBMS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) and higher cost of conversion of spatial data to digital form were the main hindrances to the diffusion of spatial data technologies at the local level. Need for development of technologies for spatial information generation was felt to fulfill the need of local level planning. The developed databases needed constant updating and developed software and GRAM needed updating and maintenance.

Technology Transfer

Lack of trained manpower in the R&D sector as well as handling of spatial databases at the local level was hindering the spatial data technologies potential application to local level planning. Need for demonstration of the technologies to users was felt during the end of this decade.

At the local level, necessary institutional changes were brought about during this period to ensure people’s participation in the planning process. As per the provisions of the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, different State Governments constituted a three tier system of local bodies at district ( Zilla Panchayat) , block (Panchayat Samiti) and village ( Gram Sabha) levels at rural areas and Municipalities (Nagarpalikas) at urban areas. Mandates of such local level bodies are to collect revenues, draw up and implement integrated development schemes.

The VIII 5 Year- Plan (1990-95) of Planning Commission suggested that the developmental plans should be drawn up at the local level (district and below) taking into account the physical and human endowments of the area, felt needs of the people and funds available.

Entry of GIS in India during late 80’s and launching of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite during 1987 guided the evolution of the NRDMS programme during its second decade. The programme was looked upon as a major initiative for introduction of Geo spatial technologies and tools in the local level planning of the country.

In this context, vision of the programme remained the same as first decade, while the goals were focused towards 1. Development of spatial data management technologies for integrated rural development planning and 2. Demonstration of utility of spatial data tools in local level decision making.

Objectives remained almost the same, adoption of Geographical Information System (GIS) as the core of NRDMS methodology for locale specific problem solving was made explicit. Forging linkages with users at different levels was introduced as one of the objectives for dissemination of NRDMS methodology.

At the end of the second decade, about $2.1 million had been spent on the NRDMS programme. This included a support of $1.26 million from the UNDP. The major outputs at the end of second decade have been enumerated in the Table 2.: