Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

Local Self Government

Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Foundation of Participatory Local Governance

A Gram Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll relating to a village comprised within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.

Basic Information

01   Member of Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

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

02   Convenor of Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Ward Member is the Convenor of the Gram Sabha, while the Ward Councillor is the Convenor of the Ward Sabha. If the Convenor is unable to perform the duties, the Chairperson of the Local Self Government Institution may appoint a member from the immediately adjoining ward as the Convenor.

03   Chairperson

The President of the Grama Panchayat shall preside over the Gram Sabha meeting, while the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over the Ward Sabha meeting.

In a Grama Panchayat, in the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside. In the absence of both, the Convenor shall preside. In a Municipality, the Deputy Chairperson shall preside in the absence of the Chairperson. In the absence of both, the Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson shall preside, and in their absence, the Convenor shall preside.

04   Convening of Meetings

The responsibility for convening Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha meetings rests with the Ward Member who is also the Convenor.

05   Quorum

The quorum for a Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha is 10% of the total number of voters. If the meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50 members.

06   Special Meeting

If not less than 10% of the voters of a ward submit a written request, the Convenor shall convene a special meeting of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha within 15 days.

07   Coordinator

An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat / Municipality shall function as the Coordinator. The Coordinator shall assist the Convenor in all activities related to the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha.

08   Questions and Suggestions

Members have the right to submit questions and suggestions for consideration in the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha either before the meeting or during the meeting.

09   Resolutions

A Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha may pass resolutions by majority on any matter falling within its jurisdiction.

Powers and Responsibilities

Key areas of participation, planning, development and public oversight

A. Planning and Implementation of Development Programmes

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  1. Assist in collecting the details required for formulating development projects.

  2. Prepare proposals for projects and development programmes to be implemented within the Grama Panchayat / Municipality and determine their priorities.

    Draft project proposals should be printed and distributed among the members. The Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha shall examine the proposals and determine the order of priority.
  3. Provide assistance, facilities and voluntary services for the effective implementation of development projects, and contribute or mobilise money or materials for such projects.

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B. Public Utility Projects

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  1. Suggest locations for installing street lights, public water supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities and other public utility projects.

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C. Public Works and Maintenance

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  1. Obtain information regarding the estimates of works implemented or proposed to be implemented within the area of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha, including details of expenditure on materials.

    Relevant details shall be distributed among the members of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha.
  2. Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes.
  3. Collect information regarding detailed estimates of works proposed to be undertaken in the area.

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People’s Participation   •   Transparency   •   Accountability   •   Development

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Gram Sabha and Ward Sabha are the foundation of strong local democracy.

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