Gramasabha/Wardsabha

GRAMA SABHA / WARD SABHA

Structure, Key Officials, Meetings, Powers, and Responsibilities in Local Self-Governments

 

1. Overview & Membership

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Concept: The Grama Sabha of a village consists of all persons registered in the electoral roll for that village within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.

Membership: 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 the Ward Sabha of that ward.

 

2. Key Officials & Administrative Structure

Designation / Role

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Alternative Arrangement in Absence

Convenor

Ward Members (Grama Sabha) / Ward Councillors (Ward Sabha) act as Convenors. Responsibility of convening meetings rests with the Convenor.

If unable to perform duties, the President/Head of the LSGD can appoint the member of the adjacent ward as Convenor.

President / Chairperson

Grama Panchayat President presides over the Grama Sabha. Municipal Chairperson presides over the Ward Sabha.

Grama Panchayat: Vice President → Convenor.
Municipality: Deputy Chairperson → Standing Committee Chairman → Convenor.

Co-ordinator

An official designated by the Local Self-Government Institution acts as the Co-ordinator.

Assists the Convenor in all activities.

 

3. Meetings and Procedures

·         Quorum: The quorum for a ordinary Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meeting is 10% of the total voters in the ward. If a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and reconvened, the required quorum shall be 50 members.

·         Convening Special Meetings: If 10% of the ward voters request in writing, the Convenor must convene a special meeting within 15 days.

·         Questions & Proposals: Questions and proposals to be considered can be submitted in writing prior to or during the meeting.

·         Resolutions: Resolutions may be passed on any issue within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha based on a majority decision.

 

4. Powers and Functions

A. Project Planning and Implementation

·         Assist in collecting detailed information necessary for formulating development schemes.

·         Prepare and prioritize proposals for development schemes and programs.

·         Mobilize resources, facilities, voluntary services, money, or materials for effective implementation of projects.

B. Public Utility Projects

·         Suggest suitable locations for installing street lights, public water taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities, etc.

C. Public Works

·         Obtain details regarding work estimates and cost of materials.

·         Monitor and assist Beneficiary Committees implementing development works.

·         Gather detailed estimate information concerning works proposed to be executed in the area.