🏛️ Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha is the most important democratic platform that ensures the direct participation of people in the administrative activities of a Grama Panchayat. It plays a crucial role in the planning of development projects, resolving public issues, and improving public facilities.

📌 Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village within the jurisdiction of a Grama Panchayat.

In Municipal areas, the Ward Sabha consists of all voters of a particular ward.

👥 Members of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

• A voter residing in a ward of a Grama Panchayat is a member of that ward's Grama Sabha.
• A voter residing in a ward of a Municipality is a member of that Ward Sabha.

👤 Convenor

The elected representative of the respective ward acts as the Convenor of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.

If the Convenor is unable to perform the duties, the Chairperson of the Local Self Government Institution may appoint a member from a neighbouring ward as temporary Convenor.

👨‍⚖️ Chairperson

Grama Panchayat

• President – Chairperson
• In the absence of the President – Vice President
• In the absence of both – Convenor

Municipality

• Chairperson
• In the absence of the Chairperson – Deputy Chairperson
• Then, the Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson
• In their absence – Convenor

📅 Convening the Meeting

The responsibility for convening Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meetings lies with the ward member who acts as the Convenor.

✔️ Quorum

• 10% of the total voters must be present for the quorum.
• If a meeting is postponed due to lack of quorum, the rescheduled meeting will be considered to have quorum if 50 members are present.

📝 Right to Request a Special Meeting

If 10% or more voters of a ward submit a written request, a special Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meeting must be convened within 15 days.

👨‍💼 Coordinator

An officer appointed by the Grama Panchayat or Municipality acts as the Coordinator of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.

Responsibilities of the Coordinator

• Assist the Convenor.
• Coordinate meetings.
• Arrange records and procedures.

❓ Questions and Suggestions

Members can submit:

• Questions
• Suggestions
• Opinions

regarding matters to be considered in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, either before the meeting or during the meeting.

📜 Resolutions

A resolution may be passed on any matter within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha based on a majority decision.

⚖️ Powers and Responsibilities of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

🏗️ A. Planning and Implementation of Development Projects

The Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha can:

• Collect information required for development projects.
• Submit suggestions for development programmes.
• Prioritize development activities.
• Examine and approve draft development plans.
• Ensure public participation in effective implementation of projects.
• Mobilize voluntary service, financial assistance, and material support.

💧 B. Development of Public Facilities

The Sabha can provide suggestions regarding locations for establishing public facilities such as:

• Street lights
• Public water taps
• Public wells
• Public toilets
• Irrigation facilities
• Other public utility projects

🛠️ C. Public Works

The Grama Sabha can examine and evaluate:

• Estimates of development works.
• Cost of construction materials.
• Details of works.
• Activities of beneficiary committees.
• Detailed estimates of proposed works.

🌿 Development Through Public Participation

Major Objectives of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

• Bring people's opinions into the governance process.
• Prioritize development projects.
• Find solutions to public issues.
• Ensure transparent and people-friendly governance.
• Encourage active public participation in local development.