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About the Grama Sabha

A Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village falling within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Member

A voter registered in a particular ward of a Grama Panchayat is a member of the Grama Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter registered in a particular ward of a Municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.

Convenor of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Ward Member is the Convenor of the Grama Sabha, while the Ward Councillor is the Convenor of the Ward Sabha.

If a Convenor is unable to discharge their duties, the Chairperson of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from an adjoining ward to act as the Convenor of that Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Chairperson

The Grama Panchayat President presides over meetings of the Grama Sabha. In a Municipality, the Municipal Chairperson presides over Ward Sabha meetings.

In the absence of the Grama Panchayat President, the Vice President shall preside over the Grama Sabha. If both the President and Vice President are absent, the Convenor shall preside.

Similarly, in a Municipality, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson shall preside. If both are absent, the Chairperson-designated Standing Committee Chairperson shall preside, and in their absence, the Convenor shall preside.

Convening Meetings

The responsibility for convening Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings rests with the Convenor, who is also the Ward Member/Councillor.

Quorum

The quorum for a Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha is 10% of the total number of voters.

If a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and reconvened subsequently, the quorum for the reconvened meeting shall be 50 members.

Right of Voters to Request a Special Meeting

If not less than 10% of the voters of a ward submit a written request, the Convenor shall convene a special meeting of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha within 15 days.

Coordinator

An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat/Municipality shall function as the Coordinator of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

The Coordinator shall assist the Convenor in all activities related to the functioning of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Questions and Suggestions

Members have the right to submit questions and suggestions in writing for consideration at the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha, either before the meeting or during the meeting.

Resolutions

The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha may pass resolutions on any matter falling within its jurisdiction, based on a majority decision of the members present.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Planning and Implementation of Development Projects

The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha shall:

  • Assist in collecting information and details required for formulating development projects.

  • Prepare proposals for development projects and programmes to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat/Municipal area and determine their priorities.

  • Examine draft project proposals distributed among the members and determine their priority order.

  • Assist in the effective implementation of development projects.

  • Provide or facilitate necessary services and resources.

  • Encourage and provide voluntary labour, financial contributions or material assistance for development activities.

B. Public Utility Projects

The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha may make recommendations regarding the location of:

  • Street lights

  • Public drinking-water taps

  • Public wells

  • Public sanitation facilities

  • Irrigation facilities

  • Other public utility projects

C. Public Works

The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha has the right to obtain information regarding:

  • Estimates of works already implemented or proposed to be implemented within its area.

  • Detailed expenditure estimates, including the cost of materials used for such works.

  • Details of proposed public works, including their detailed estimates.

Such information and relevant documents should be made available to the members of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha shall also monitor and support beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes and works in the area.