Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Grama Sabha of a village shall consist of all persons whose names are included in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of a Grama Panchayat.

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Member

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

Convenor of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

Ward members are the convenors of Grama Sabhas, and Ward Councillors are the convenors of Ward Sabhas. However, if a situation arises where a convenor is unable to perform their duties, the head of the local self-government institution may appoint a member from an adjacent ward as the convenor for that ward.

President / Chairperson

The Grama Panchayat President shall preside over the Grama Sabha meeting, and the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over the Ward Sabha meeting. In Grama Panchayats, in the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside, and in the absence of both, the Convenor shall preside. Similarly, in Municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, or a Standing Committee Chairman nominated by the Chairperson, or in their absence, the Convenor shall preside over the meeting.

Convening Meetings

The responsibility of convening meetings is vested in the ward member, who is also the convenor.

Quorum

The quorum for a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha shall be 10 percent of the total number of voters. However, if a meeting is adjourned for lack of quorum and reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50.

Right of Voters to Request a Special Meeting

If not less than 10 percent of the voters in a ward request in writing, the convenor shall convene a special meeting of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha within 15 days.

Co-ordinator

An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat / Municipality shall function as the Co-ordinator of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha. The Co-ordinator shall assist the Convenor in all activities related to the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.

Questions and Suggestions

Members shall have the right to submit questions and suggestions to be considered in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, in writing, either before or during the meeting.

Resolutions

A resolution on any issue coming within the purview of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha may be passed by a majority vote in the respective meeting.

Powers and Functions of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Related to Project Planning and Implementation:

• Assist in collecting details necessary for formulating development schemes.
• Prepare proposals and fix priorities for schemes and development programs to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat / Municipality area.
• Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary service, financial, or material contributions, and mobilize resources for the effective implementation of development schemes.

B. Related to Public Amenities Projects:

• Suggest locations for streetlights, public water taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities, and other public amenity projects.

C. Related to Public Works:

• Obtain information regarding work estimates, breakdown of material costs, etc.
• Monitor and assist Beneficiary Committees undertaking development programs.
• Collect detailed estimates and information regarding works proposed to be implemented in the area.