Gram Sabha/ Ward Sabha
🏛️ Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
The Basic Unit of Participatory Democracy
What is a Grama Sabha?
A Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village within the geographical area of a Grama Panchayat.
A voter in a ward is a member of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha of that ward. The Grama Sabha and Ward Sabha are the most important democratic platforms for bringing the opinions, needs, and development proposals of the people into the administrative system.
👥 Key Structure
| Position / Description | |
|---|---|
| Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Member | All registered voters in the ward |
| Convenor | Ward Member / Ward Councillor |
| Chairperson | Grama Panchayat President / Municipal Chairperson |
| Coordinator | Officer designated by the Local Self-Government Institution |
📅 Information Regarding Meetings
Convening the Meeting
The responsibility for convening the meeting rests with the Ward Member.
Quorum
- 10% of the total number of voters.
- For an adjourned meeting where the quorum was not met, 50 persons shall be considered as the quorum.
Special Meeting
If not less than 10% of the voters in a ward submit a written request, a special Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha shall be convened within 15 days.
📝 Rights of Members
- Questions and suggestions may be submitted in writing.
- Discussions may be held in the Grama Sabha.
- Resolutions may be proposed.
- Opinions regarding development projects may be recorded.
- Public issues may be raised.
⚖️ Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A. Project Planning and Implementation
- Collecting information required for development projects.
- Prioritising projects.
- Examining draft project proposals.
- Providing voluntary services and mobilising resources.
- Supporting the effective implementation of development projects.
B. Public Utility Projects
- Suggesting locations for the installation of street lights.
- Suggesting locations for public water supply taps and wells.
- Providing suggestions regarding sanitation facilities and irrigation systems.
C. Public Works
- Examining estimates and expenditure of works.
- Monitoring the functioning of beneficiary committees.
- Collecting detailed information regarding public works.
- Assessing the progress of development activities.
📜 Resolutions
Resolutions may be passed by majority vote after discussing any matter that falls within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha. Such resolutions are an important means of bringing the needs of the people and their development perspectives into the administrative system.
