Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha
🏛️ Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
Fundamental component of participatory democracy
What is Grama Sabha?
The Grama Sabha of a village consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll relating to a village comprised within the territorial 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 conveying the opinions, needs, and development suggestions of the people to the administrative system.
👥 Main Structure
| Designation | 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 assigned by the Local Institution |
📅 Details Related to Meetings
Convening the Meeting
The responsibility for convening the meeting lies with the Ward Member.
Quorum
- 10 percent of the total voters.
- For a meeting adjourned due to lack of quorum, 50 persons shall be considered as the quorum.
Special Meeting
If not less than 10 percent of the voters of a ward make 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 conducted in the Grama Sabha.
- Resolutions may be presented.
- Opinions regarding development projects may be recorded.
- Public issues may be raised.
⚖️ Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A. Plan Formulation and Implementation
- Collection of information required for development projects.
- Determining priorities for projects.
- Examining draft project proposals.
- Voluntary service and resource mobilization.
- Providing support for the efficient implementation of development projects.
B. Public Facility Projects
- Suggesting locations where street lights should be installed.
- Suggesting locations for public water supply taps and wells.
- Providing suggestions regarding sanitation facilities and irrigation systems.
C. Public Works
- Examining estimates and expenses of works.
- Monitoring the functioning of Beneficiary Committees.
- Collecting detailed information on public works.
- Evaluating the progress of development activities.
📜 Resolutions
Resolutions may be passed on a majority basis after discussing any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha. Such resolutions are an important means of conveying the needs and development perspectives of the people to the administrative system.