Consider the following statements : In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee. 1. is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India 2. prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area. 3. has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

The Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC) is a constitutional body mandated by Article 243ZE of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act [2]. Statement 1 is correct as the Constitution requires every metropolitan area to constitute such a committee. Statement 2 is correct because the primary function of the MPC is to prepare a draft development plan for the metropolitan area as a whole, taking into account plans prepared by local municipalities and panchayats [2]. Statement 3 is incorrect; while the MPC considers the extent of investments and priorities set by the Government of India and the State [1], it does not have the 'sole responsibility' for implementing government-sponsored schemes. Implementation typically remains with the respective state agencies, municipalities, or development authorities. The MPC's role is primarily focused on planning and coordination rather than exclusive execution [2].

Sources

1. [2] https://mahasec.maharashtra.gov.in/Upload/PDF/Constitutional%20Provisions%20-%20IXA%20-%20Municipalties%20(Urban).pdf
2. [1] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 40: Municipalities > Salient Features > p. 403