Which of the following about Article 243ZT of the Constitution and local planning is correct?

Article 243ZD mandates the constitution of District Planning Committees (DPCs) to consolidate development plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities. This provision ensures that local self-government institutions meaningfully participate in development planning rather than functioning merely as implementing agencies. The DPC integrates  rural and urban planning to avoid fragmented governance. Although the composition and manner of functioning are determined by State law, the constitutional mandate itself is binding. Courts have emphasized that decentralization under Parts IX and IXA must be substantive, not symbolic, and effective planning institutions are essential to this goal. DPCs therefore act as a constitutional bridge between grassroots democracy and State level administration, reinforcing participatory development and cooperative federalism.