GRAMASABHA DETAILS
👥 Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
All persons whose names are included in the voters’ list of a village within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat are considered members of the Grama Sabha of that village.
👤 Member of 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 municipal ward is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.
📋 Convenor of 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.
However, if a Convenor is unable to perform his/her duties, the head of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from an adjoining ward as the Convenor of that ward.
🪑 Chairperson
The Grama Panchayat President shall preside over the Grama Sabha meeting, while the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over the Ward Sabha meeting.
Grama Panchayat:
In the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside. If both are absent, the Convenor shall preside over the meeting.
Municipality:
In the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson or a Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson shall preside. In their absence, the Convenor shall preside.
📅 Convening the Meeting
The responsibility for convening the meetings rests with the Convenor, who is also the Ward Member.
📊 Quorum
The quorum for 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 reconvened subsequently, the quorum for such a 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 Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.
❓ Questions and Suggestions
Members have the right to submit questions and suggestions to be considered in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha either before the meeting or during the meeting, in writing.
📝 Resolutions
A resolution on any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha may be passed at the meeting on the basis of a majority decision.
🏗️ Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A. Related to Planning and Implementation of Development 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.
Important Note: Draft project proposals shall be printed and distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha. The Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha shall examine them and determine the order of priority.
- Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary services, financial assistance or material support, and mobilize resources for the effective implementation of development projects.
💧 B. Related to Public Utility Projects
- Make recommendations regarding the locations for establishing street lights, public water supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects.
🛠️ C. Related to Public Works
Obtain information regarding the estimates of works already implemented or proposed to be implemented within the area of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, including details of the cost of materials used.
Note: These details shall be distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.
- Monitor and assist Beneficiary Committees undertaking development programmes.
- Collect information regarding detailed estimates of works proposed to be implemented in the area.
🤝 Public Participation • Transparency • Accountability
When the Grama Sabha becomes stronger, local democracy becomes stronger.