GRAMA SABHA / WARD SABHA
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
Structure, Functions, Rights, Powers and Responsibilities of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
🏛️ Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A 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.
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha 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 ward in a municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.
Convener
Ward Members are the Conveners of Grama Sabhas and Ward Councillors are the Conveners of Ward Sabhas. If a Convener is unable to perform his or her duties, the head of the Local Self Government Institution may appoint a member from the adjoining ward as the Convener of that ward.
Presiding Officer
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 the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside. In the absence of both, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.
Convening of Meetings
The responsibility for convening Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meetings is vested with the Ward Member who is also the Convener.
Quorum
The quorum of a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha is 10 percent of the total number of voters. If the meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and convened again, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50.
Right to Request a Special Meeting
If not less than 10 percent of the voters of a ward submit a written request, the Convener 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 Convener in all activities related to the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.
Questions and Suggestions
Members have the right to submit questions and suggestions for consideration in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha either before the meeting or during the meeting in writing.
Resolutions
A resolution may be passed by majority in the respective meeting on any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.
⚖️ Powers and Responsibilities of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
🗂️ A. Planning and Implementation of Development Projects
- Assist in collecting details required for formulating development projects.
- Prepare proposals for projects and development programmes to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat / Municipality area and determine their priorities.
- Draft project proposals shall be printed and distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha. The Sabha shall examine the proposals and determine their priority order.
- Provide assistance and facilities for effective implementation of development projects, provide voluntary services, and contribute or mobilise money or materials as assistance.
💧 B. Public Utility Projects
- Suggest locations for installation of street lights.
- Suggest locations for public water supply taps.
- Suggest suitable locations for public wells.
- Suggest locations for public sanitation facilities.
- Provide suggestions regarding irrigation facilities and other public utility projects.
🏗️ C. Public Works
- Obtain details of estimates of works already implemented or proposed to be implemented within the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha area.
- Understand the details of expenditure on materials used for the works.
- Request that details of the works be distributed before the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.
- Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes.
- Collect detailed estimate information relating to works proposed to be implemented in the area.
📌 Public Participation in Grama Sabha
The Grama Sabha is an important platform for planning, implementing and monitoring local development projects through the direct participation of citizens.