Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

Elikulam Grama Panchayat

Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

Structure, functioning, powers and responsibilities of the Gram Sabha and Ward Sabha

Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

A Gram Sabha is constituted by all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village included within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.

The Gram Sabha is an important component of local governance through people's participation. It is an important forum for presenting the opinions, needs and development proposals of the people of the ward.

01

Member of Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

A voter of a ward in a village is a member of the Gram Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter of a ward in a municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.

02

Convener of Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

Ward Members are the Conveners of Gram Sabhas, and Ward Councillors are the Conveners of Ward Sabhas. However, if a Convener is unable to discharge their duties, the head of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from the adjacent ward as the Convener of that ward.

03

Chairperson

The President of the Grama Panchayat shall preside over the Gram Sabha meeting, while the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over the Ward Sabha meeting. In Grama Panchayats, in the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside, and in the absence of both, the Convener shall preside. Similarly, in municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson or the Chairperson of a Standing Committee nominated by the Chairperson shall preside, and in their absence, the Convener shall preside.

04

Convening the Meeting

The responsibility for convening the meetings rests with the Ward Member, who is also the Convener.

Important Information

Quorum

The quorum of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha is 10 percent of the total number of voters.

However, when a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and is reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50.

Right of Voters to Request a Special Meeting

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

Coordinator

An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat / Municipality shall function as the Coordinator of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha. The Coordinator shall assist the Convener in all activities related to the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha.

Questions and Suggestions

Members have the right to submit in writing questions and suggestions to be considered by the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha either before the meeting or during the meeting.

Resolutions

A resolution may be passed by a majority at the respective meeting on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha.

Key Section

Powers and Responsibilities of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Matters Related to Planning and Implementation of Projects

Assist in collecting the details required for formulating development projects.
Prepare proposals for projects and development programmes to be implemented within the Grama Panchayat / Municipality area and determine their priorities.
Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary service, financial or material support, and mobilize resources for the effective implementation of development projects.

B. Matters Related to Public Facility Projects

Suggest locations for installing streetlights, public water supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities and other public facility projects.

C. Matters Related to Public Works

Obtain details regarding the estimates for works, cost of materials and other related information.
Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes.
Collect information regarding detailed estimates of works proposed to be implemented in the area.

Importance of the Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha is an important forum for planning development projects with people's participation, making suggestions regarding public facilities, and supporting the effective implementation of development activities.