Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha – Definition

 

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha – Definition

The Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village falling within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.

Ordinary Quorum – 10%

Ten percent of the total number of voters.

Quorum for an Adjourned Meeting – 50

When the meeting is reconvened due to the quorum not being met.

Special Meeting – 15 Days

If 10% of the voters demand a meeting, it must be convened within the prescribed period of 15 days.

👥 Member

A voter of a particular ward in a village is a member of the Grama Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter of a particular ward in a municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.

📢 Convener

The elected Ward Member is the Convener of the Grama Sabha, while the Ward Councillor is the Convener of the Ward Sabha. However, if a Convener 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 Convener of that Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

🏛️ Chairperson

The President of the Grama Panchayat shall preside over the Grama Sabha meeting, while 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 President and Vice-President, the Convener shall preside.

Similarly, in Municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson or a Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson shall preside. In their absence, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.

📅 Convening of Meetings

The responsibility for convening the meetings rests with the Ward Member, who also functions as the Convener.

🤝 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 Convener in all activities related to the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

✍️ Questions, Suggestions & Resolutions

Questions and Suggestions:
Members have the right to submit in writing, either before or during the meeting, any questions or suggestions that are to be considered by the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Resolutions:
A resolution may be passed by a majority vote on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Planning and Implementation of Development Projects

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

B. Public Utility Projects

  • Suggest locations for the installation of streetlights, public water-supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects.

C. Maintenance and Construction Works

  • Obtain information regarding the estimates of works, details of material costs, and other relevant expenditure details.
  • Monitor and assist the Beneficiary Committees undertaking development programmes.
  • Collect detailed information regarding the estimates of works proposed to be implemented in the area.