Grama/Ward Sabha
Local Self Government
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
The Grama Sabha and Ward Sabha are the basic units of people's participation in Local Self Government institutions.
What is a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha?
The Grama Sabha of a village consists of all voters whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat. Similarly, the Ward Sabha of a ward in a municipality consists of all voters whose names are included in the electoral roll of that ward.
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Members
A voter in a ward of a Grama Panchayat is a member of the Grama Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter in a ward of a municipality is also a member of that Ward Sabha.
Convener
The Conveners of Grama Sabhas are ward members of the Grama Panchayat. The Conveners of Ward Sabhas are ward councillors of the municipality.
If the Convener is unable to perform the duties, the Chairperson of the concerned Local Self Government Institution may appoint a member from a nearby ward as the temporary Convener.
Chairperson
Grama Panchayat
The President of the Grama Panchayat shall preside over Grama Sabha meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside, and in the absence of both, the Convener shall preside.
Municipality
The Municipal Chairperson shall preside over Ward Sabha meetings. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, or the Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson, shall preside, and in their absence, the Convener shall preside.
Convening Meetings
The responsibility for convening meetings of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha rests with the ward member who is also the Convener.
Quorum
The quorum of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha shall be 10 percent of the total voters.
When a meeting adjourned for want of quorum is reconvened, the quorum required for that meeting shall be 50 members.
Right to Convene a Special Meeting
If not less than 10 percent of the total voters in a ward make a written request, the Convener shall convene a special meeting of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha within 15 days.
Coordinator
An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat or Municipality shall function as the Coordinator of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha.
The main duty of the Coordinator is to 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 in writing, before or during the meeting, regarding matters to be considered in the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha.
Resolutions
Resolutions may be passed at the meeting, by majority, on any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha.
Powers and Duties of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A. Plan Formulation and Implementation
- Assist in collecting the information required for formulating development plans.
- Submit suggestions for development projects and programmes to be implemented in Grama Panchayat / Municipality areas.
- Participate in determining the priorities of plans.
- Provide the assistance and facilities required for effective implementation of development plans.
- Mobilize and provide voluntary service, financial assistance, and material assistance.
B. Public Facility Projects
Provide suggestions regarding locations where the following public facilities should be established:
- Street Lights
- Public Water Supply Taps
- Public Wells
- Public Sanitation Facilities
- Irrigation Systems
- Other Public Facility Projects
C. Public Works and Development Activities
- Obtain information regarding estimates for development activities and the costs of materials.
- Monitor the activities of beneficiary committees and provide the necessary assistance.
- Collect and examine detailed estimate information for development activities proposed to be implemented in the area.
- Evaluate the progress of public works and provide suggestions.
Importance of Public Participation
The Grama Sabha and Ward Sabha are the basic elements of democracy in Local Self Government institutions. The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha is the most important forum for directly conveying people's needs, opinions, and development suggestions to the administrative system.
Active participation by every member is essential for local development and transparent governance.
