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body in the State that possess the required skill
sets and trained manpower (though not in
adequate measure – which can be upgraded by
intense training) to offer governpreneurship
in urban development and has the technical
competence in GIS and other related
technologies. But three attitudinal changes are
required for us to venture into this mode, i.e.,
adapt to the participation process (play the role of
a coordinator), develop a strong multidisciplinary
understanding of the development process (play
the role of a researcher) and develop the ability to
cut through the bureaucratic maze.
in the true spirit of our Constitution. The
essential ingredient for the model is the concept
of governpreneurship which simply means
entrepreneurship within the government. The
State has a number of successful examples of
governpreneurship like Kudumbashree, CIAL
etc. Partnering of people, industry, government,
local self government, academia etc not only for
planning process but also for implementation
is the key factor. It is important to see that
the implementation of the plans also do take
place along with and continuous correction of
the course can be effected through dialogue
between the stakeholders and the government.
Along the course some elements get dropped,
some unforeseen element come forward and the
framework should be broad and flexible enough
to accommodate both. In short the planning
process is complete when the implementation is
over. This means a paradigm shift in the planning
process and shall require new set of performance
standards and benchmarks, systems and skill sets.
What is the role of Town & Country Planning
Department in this model of development
planning process? The Department is the only
The activities of the Kozhikode Regional
Office of the Department are streamlined in this
context as sort of experimentation for evolving
the new model. Some very favourable factors
have come up during the last two years in the
City which has created an ideal ground for
germination of the idea. One is the beginning
of “Smart Kozhikode” initiative. Being unhappy
about the City losing out on Smart City
Challenge, the leaders of industry, academia,
peoples’ representatives and government officials
have come together to support the Local Self
Government in bringing in smart choices in the
city. The first meeting of the initiative was held
on 5th March 2016 which was attended by Sri.
Mohammed Haneesh IAS, the then Secretary
(Urban Affairs) and around twenty five persons,
all leaders in their respective field of activity. The
core committee of the initiative meets frequently
and deliberate on the broad framework for action
(the fluid plan). The committee also acts as a
catalyst for various development activities and
supports the city government in formulating
development programmes. The initiative does
not have a formal structure at all. The members
communicate among themselves and carry out
the activities in a quite informal manner. Another
congenial happening in this regard is the decision
of the City Government to form a Consultative
Committee to the Mayor which is supposed to
advise the Mayor on various issues related to City
Governance. The Consultative Committee has
peoples’ representatives, technical experts and
leaders of industry & academia in the City. The
“Smart Kozhikode” initiative and the Consultative
Committee have a lot in common, in terms of
membership and function and hence have almost
merged together.