Bhubaneshwar: A workshop-cum-training programme on "Applications of NICNET based Information Systems in Decentralized Planning" was held during October 7 to 18, 1996, at National Informatics Centre (East Region), Bhubaneshwar. The programme was attended by senior officers from Eastern and North-eastern States. Participants were familiarized with different NICNET based information systems along with network services such as E-mail, Internet access etc. In addition to this a wide range of topics on Decentralized Planning in Rural Development with emphasis on Information Technology as applicable to various sectors of socio-economic development, were discussed. As a part of the programme, a panel discussion, Chaired by Mr R K Mishra, IAS and former Chief Secretary was held on 17 October, 1996. The members of the panel were Mr AK Tripathy, IAS and Special Secretary Planning & Co-ordination Department from Government of Orissa, Mr H P Das, Accountant General, Orissa, Mr S Sundra Rajan and Mr K Sreenivasan (retired IAS officers). The panel members emphasized the need for the NICNET based Information Systems in the planning process at grass root level. The forum provided an interesting debate on the role of district administration headed by the District Collector viz-a-viz the elected representatives of the people such as the heads of panchayats, blocks and zila parishad during the decentralized plan formulation. -