*As Development officer: The role(developmental) of the collector became a focal point after the initiation of developmental planning in India.
It was felt that the great influence that collector wielded in the district should be harnessed to the task of development.
Rural development is an essential precondition for the establishment of a welfare state and several developmental programmes for the benefit of downtrodden.
In the task of economic development, the role of collector is not that of an adviser or observer alone. The emphasis is on his leadership role in the extension and development activity.
#.Some of the functions are:
*Technical assistance is made available to extension officers by the concerned departments of the state government.
*Adequate precautions are taken and sufficient provision made for the recovery and payment of loans advanced by the state government to Panchayat Samitis.
*Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Municipalities are provided with necessary assistance in the early recovery of their dues, whether as tax or on account of loans.
*Checks whether priorities as fixed in the plans are being adhered to and the general pattern of work is in conformity with the policies laid down by the central or state govt.
He is the ex-officio chairman of the District Rural Development Agency, registered under Indian Societies Registration Act, responsible for the implementation of development programmes,like; TRYSEM, NREP, DWCRAetc.
He performs development roles in his formal capacity as the head of: District Industries Centre, chairman of the District Level Bankers Coordination Committee and chairman of the City Monitoring Committee.
According to the recommendation of Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, 1959, collector should be made the chairman of Zila Parishad, so that because of his great influence and authority in the district could lead and guide the zila parishad in the task of development.
But the states did not accept it, because Parishad is a non-official and purely elective body.
In contrast to the collector, the chief of the zila parishad, being an elected representative, knows the pulse of the people better.
It would detract his performance in the field of law and order administration and if focussed l&o administration would be suspect in the eyes of zila parishad. He might be in a fix due to the divided loyalties.
Those who supported this-
On the basis of:
his eminent position, act as a mediator to solve differences among the Parishad members and see that targets determined by govt. are achieved.
Segregating him from the parishad would mean the virtual removal of the collector from parishad which would mean his alienation from the common man and developmental activities.
Many Indians regards him psychologically as a father figure.
*Miscellaneous functions:
- functions as District Census Officer.
-act as the Chief Returning Officer for elections to Parliamentary & State Legislative Assembly and the work at district level.
- act as the official representative of govt. during ceremonial functions.
- handles the protocol work during the visit of VIP dignitaries.
- supervises the work of Municipalities
- mixes with people and develop sympathy for them.
