महाराष्ट्र जिल्हा नियोजन समिती कायदा, 1998 नुसार महाराष्ट्रात स्थापन करण्यात आलेल्या जिल्हा नियोजन समितीचा सचिव हा असतो.

The correct answer is Option B (District Collector).

Key Points:
• Legislative Framework: Under Article 243ZD of the Constitution of India inserted via the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, the State of Maharashtra enacted the Maharashtra District Planning Committee (Constitution and Functions) Act, 1998.
• Administrative Structure:
• Chairperson: The Guardian Minister (पालकमंत्री) of the respective district serves as the Chairperson of the District Planning Committee (DPC).
• Member-Secretary: The District Collector (जिल्हाधिकारी) acts as the official Member-Secretary of the committee.
• Members: Composed of elected representatives from Rural (Zilla Parishad) and Urban (Municipalities/Corporations) local bodies in proportion to the population ratio, alongside nominated experts.
• Core Mandate: The DPC consolidates draft development plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities in the district to prepare a comprehensive draft development plan for the district as a whole.
• Key Takeaway: The District Collector is the Member-Secretary of the District Planning Committee under the Maharashtra DPC Act, 1998.