Grama Sabha
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll for a village within the area of a Grama Panchayat.
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Member
A voter in a ward of a village is a member of the Grama Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter in a ward of a municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.
Convenor of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
Ward members are the convenors of Grama Sabhas, and Ward Councillors are the convenors of Ward Sabhas. However, if a convenor is unable to discharge their duties, the head of the local self-government institution may appoint a member from an adjoining ward as the convenor for that ward.
Chairperson
The Grama Panchayat President 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; in the absence of both, the Convenor shall preside. Similarly, in municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, or a Standing Committee Chairman nominated by the Chairperson, or in their absence, the Convenor shall preside.
Convening the Meeting
The responsibility to convene meetings rests with the Ward Member, who is also the Convenor.
Quorum
The quorum for a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meeting is 10% of the total voters. However, if a meeting is adjourned due to a lack of quorum and reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50 voters.
Right of Voters to Request a Special Meeting
If not less than 10% of the voters in a ward request in writing, the Convenor must convene a special meeting of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha within 15 days.
Co-ordinator
An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat / Municipality shall function as the Co-ordinator of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha. The Co-ordinator 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 in writing, either before or during the meeting.
Resolutions
Resolutions on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha may be passed by a majority vote in the respective meeting.
Powers and Functions of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A. Related to Scheme Planning and Execution
- Assist in collecting details required for formulating development plans.
- Prepare proposals and determine priorities for schemes and development programmes to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat / Municipality area. (Draft project proposals should be printed and distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, which will examine them and fix the order of priority.)
- Provide assistance, make facilities available, render voluntary service, and provide or mobilize monetary or material aid for the effective implementation of development schemes.
B. Related to Public Utility Schemes
- Suggest locations for streetlights, public water taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects.
C. Related to Public Works
- Know the estimates and itemized material expenses of works implemented or proposed to be implemented in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha area (details should be distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha).
- Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes.
- Collect detailed estimate information regarding works proposed to be undertaken in the area.
