for capital needs relating to the establishment of plans to prefectural governments, and since 1990 to municipal governments.
The summary of the first guidelines is as follows.
(1) Significance of the promotion of local information networks
The local information network policy of the Ministry of Home Affairs is part of the nationwide framework for local administration and finance, such as revitalization of regions, balanced land development, and decentralization.
(2) Deciding of plans for local information networks
Plans for local information networks (hereafter called "plans") have the character of "comprehensive plans relating to local information networks of local governments". All plans for local information networks in which local governments are involved are regarded as "plans" regardless of the executing body and therefore, plans established by the third sector or private enterprises are included in the "plans" and they should be integrated as such.
Measures based on national policies are also included in the "plans".
This is due to the view that local governments comprehensively promote projects in areas nationally designated as model zones as their own.
In deciding plans, local governments must pay special attention to the following four items:
a. The role of prefectural and municipal governments
Prefectural governments are expected to play a role as wide-area organizations and to support municipal governments as progressive organisations.
b. Joint plans by municipal governments
It is desirable that municipal governments cooperate with each other and as far as possible establish plans as wide-area administrative organizations in order to ensure the effectiveness of the plans by constructing a wide-area network suited to the lifestyle and economy of the area.
c. Deciding of plans in accordance with promotion process
Plans should suit the current situation of the area and should be in accordance with the development stages of the local information network.
