Gramasabha/ Ward Sabha

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A Grama Sabha shall consist of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll relating to a village within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.

Member of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A voter of a particular ward of a village is a member of the Grama Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter of a ward in 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, and the Ward Councillor is the Convenor of the Ward Sabha. However, if a Convenor is unable to perform his/her duties, the Chairperson of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from an adjoining ward as the Convenor of that ward.

Chairperson

The President of the Grama Panchayat shall preside over the Grama Sabha meeting, and the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over the Ward Sabha meeting.

In Grama Panchayats, in the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside over the meeting. In the absence of both, the Convenor 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. In the absence of all of them, the Convenor shall preside over the meeting.

Convening of Meetings

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

Quorum

The quorum of a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha is 10% of the total number of voters. However, when a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and is subsequently reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50 members.

Right of Voters to Demand 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 relating to the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.

Questions and Suggestions

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

Resolutions

The Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha may pass resolutions, by majority, on any matter falling within its jurisdiction.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Matters relating to Planning and Implementation of Development Projects

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

B. Matters relating to Public Utility Projects

  • Make recommendations regarding the locations for installing streetlights, public water-supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects.

C. Matters relating to Public Works

  • Obtain details regarding estimates of works and the cost of materials.
  • Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes in the area.
  • Collect details of detailed estimates relating to works proposed to be undertaken in the area.