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Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A Grama Sabha is considered to consist of all persons whose names are included in the voters’ list relating to a village falling within the territorial jurisdiction of a Grama Panchayat.

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha Member

A person whose name is included in the voters’ list of a ward in a village is a member of the Grama Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter of a ward in a Municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.

Convener of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

The Ward Members are the conveners of Grama Sabhas, while the Ward Councillors are the conveners of Ward Sabhas.

However, if a Convener is unable to perform his/her duties, the Chairperson of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from an adjoining ward as the Convener of that ward.

Chairperson

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

In Grama Panchayats, in the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside over the meeting. If both the President and Vice President are absent, the Convener shall preside.

Similarly, in Municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson or the Chairperson of a Standing Committee nominated by the Chairperson shall preside. In their absence, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.

Convening of Meetings

The responsibility for convening the meetings rests with the Ward Member, who is also the Convener.

Quorum

The quorum for a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha is 10% of the total number of voters.

However, when a meeting is adjourned due to the absence of the required quorum and is subsequently reconvened, the quorum for such a meeting shall be 50 members.

Right of Voters to Request a Special Meeting

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

Coordinator

An officer designated by the Grama Panchayat / Municipality shall function as the Coordinator of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.

The Coordinator shall assist the Convener in all activities relating to the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.

Questions and Suggestions

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

Resolutions

A Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha may pass a resolution by majority vote on any issue falling within its jurisdiction.

Powers and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Matters Relating to Planning and Implementation of Development Projects

  1. Assist in collecting the details required for the formulation of development projects.
  2. Prepare proposals and determine priorities for projects and development programmes to be implemented within the Grama Panchayat / Municipality area.
    (Draft project proposals shall be printed and distributed at the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha. The Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha shall examine them and determine their order of priority.)
  3. Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary services, financial contributions, material assistance, and mobilise resources for the effective implementation of development projects.

B. Matters Relating to Public Utility Projects

  1. Make recommendations regarding the locations where streetlights, public water-supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects should be established.

C. Matters Relating to Public Works

  1. Obtain information regarding the estimates and details of material costs of works already implemented or proposed to be implemented within the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha area.
    (The relevant details shall be distributed at the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.)
  2. Monitor and assist Beneficiary Committees undertaking development programmes.
  3. Collect details of the detailed estimates relating to works proposed to be implemented in the area.