This manual attempts to set out the systems and standard processes that could be followed for decentralised planning. It aims to provide guidance on how the considerable capacities of line departments and experts can from now on, subserve this process of empowered planning by local governance. This manual comprises two volumes. The first contains a detailed exposition of the essential principles underlying participative district planning and sets out the steps to be taken at the state and national levels to facilitate participative district planning. The second volume is a handbook for district planning that lays down the modalities and sequences of processes for preparation of a participative district plan, along with formats and checklists by which the processes can be documented and data provided for different planning units to undertake planning at their individual levels.