Gramasabha/Ward Sabha

 

Gramasabha / Ward Sabha

  • Gramasabha / Ward Sabha: The Gramasabha of a village consists of all the persons whose names are included in the electoral roll relating to a village comprised within the territorial area of a village panchayat.
  • Gramasabha / Ward Sabha Member: A voter in a ward of a village is a member of the Gramasabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter in a ward of a municipality is a member of that Ward Sabha.
  • Convener of Gramasabha / Ward Sabha: Ward members are the conveners of Gramasabhas and ward councillors are the conveners of Ward Sabhas. However, in situations where a convener is unable to perform their duties, the chairperson of the local body may appoint a member from an adjoining ward as the convener for that ward.
  • Chairperson: The Village Panchayat President for a Gramasabha meeting and the Municipal Chairperson for a Ward Sabha meeting must preside over the sessions. In village panchayats, in the absence of the president, the vice-president, or in the absence of both, the convener shall preside. Similarly, in municipalities, in the absence of the chairperson, the deputy chairperson, or a standing committee chairperson designated by the chairperson, or in their absence, the convener shall preside.
  • Convening Meetings: The responsibility of summoning meetings is vested in the ward member, who is also the convener.
  • Quorum: The quorum for a Gramasabha / Ward Sabha is 10 percent of the total voters. However, when a meeting is adjourned due to a lack of quorum and reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50 members.
  • Voters' Right to Request a Special Meeting: If not less than 10 percent of the voters in a ward make a written request, the convener must convene a special meeting of the Gramasabha / Ward Sabha within 15 days.
  • Coordinator: An officer determined by the village panchayat / municipality shall function as the coordinator of the Gramasabha / Ward Sabha. The coordinator shall assist the convener in all activities connected with the Gramasabha / Ward Sabha.
  • Questions and Suggestions: Members have the right to submit questions and suggestions to be considered in the Gramasabha / Ward Sabha in writing, either before or during the meeting.
  • Resolutions: Resolutions may be passed on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Gramasabha / Ward Sabha at the respective meeting on the basis of a majority.

Powers and Duties of the Gramasabha / Ward Sabha

A. Related to Plan Formulation and Implementation:

  • Assist in collecting details necessary for formulating development plans.
  • Prepare proposals and determine priorities for development projects and programs to be implemented in the village panchayat / municipality area.
  • Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary service, financial or material aid, and mobilize resources for the effective implementation of development projects.

B. Related to Public Amenity Projects:

  • Propose locations for installing street lights, public water supply taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities, and other public amenity projects.

C. Related to Public Works:

  • Know details such as the estimates of works and details of material costs.
  • Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programs.
  • Collect information on detailed estimates of works intended to be executed in the area.