Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Grama Sabha of a village is considered to consist of all individuals whose names are included in the voters' list for that village, which falls within the territorial area of ​​a Grama Panchayat.

Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha Member

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

Convener of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha

Ward members serve as conveners for Grama Sabhas, while ward councilors serve as conveners for Ward Sabhas. However, if a convener is unable to discharge their duties, the chairperson of the local self-government institution may appoint a member from an adjacent ward to serve as the convener for that ward.

Chairperson

The Grama Panchayat President presides over the Grama Sabha meeting, while the Municipal Chairperson presides over the Ward Sabha meeting. In Grama Panchayats, the Vice President presides in the absence of the President, and the Convener presides in the absence of both. Similarly, in municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson—or a Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson (or the Convener, in their absence)—shall preside.

Convening a meeting

The responsibility of convening meetings rests with the ward member, who is also the convener.

Quorum

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

Voters' right to request the convening of a special meeting.

If not less than 10 percent of the voters in a ward submit a written request, the Convener must convene a special meeting of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha within 15 days.

Co-ordinator

An official designated by the Grama Panchayat or Municipality shall serve as the coordinator for the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha. The coordinator shall assist the convener in all activities related to the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha.

Questions, Suggestions

Members have the right to submit questions and proposals for consideration at the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha in writing, either before or during the meeting.

Themes

A resolution may be passed by a majority vote at the respective meeting regarding any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha or Ward Sabha.

Powers and duties of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Matters related to project planning and implementation:

  • Assist in gathering the details required to formulate development projects.

  • Prepare proposals and determine priorities for projects and development programs to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat or Municipality area.

  • Provide assistance, make facilities available, offer voluntary service, and provide or mobilize financial or material aid for the effective implementation of development projects.

B. Related to public amenity projects:

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

C. Related to public works:

  • Find out details such as work estimates and the cost of materials.

  • Monitor and assist the beneficiary committees that undertake and implement development programs.

  • Collect details of the detailed estimates for the works proposed to be implemented in the area.