Gramasabha/Ward Sabha
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha – At a Glance
The Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village (ward) within a Grama Panchayat. In municipalities it is called the Ward Sabha. Every voter in a ward is a member of that ward's Sabha.
Key Points
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Members | All voters included in the ward's electoral roll |
| Convener | Ward Member in a Grama Panchayat; Ward Councillor in a Municipality. If a convener is unable to perform their duties, the head of the local self-government institution may appoint a member from a neighbouring ward as convener |
| Chairperson | Grama Sabha: Panchayat President | Ward Sabha: Municipal Chairperson |
| Convening meetings | Responsibility of the Ward Member, who is also the Convener |
| Quorum | 10 percent of the total voters. For a meeting reconvened after adjournment due to lack of quorum: 50 persons |
| Special meeting | If at least 10 percent of the voters request in writing, the Convener must call a special meeting within 15 days |
| Co-ordinator | An officer decided by the Panchayat/Municipality; must assist the Convener in all activities |
| Questions / Suggestions | Members have the right to submit them in writing before or during the meeting |
| Resolutions | A resolution on any matter within the Sabha's jurisdiction may be passed by majority |
Order of Presiding Officers
- Grama Panchayat: President → Vice President → Convener
- Municipality: Chairperson → Deputy Chairperson, or a Standing Committee Chairman nominated by the Chairperson → Convener
Powers and Responsibilities
A. Project Planning and Implementation
- Help collect the details needed to formulate development projects.
- Prepare proposals for projects and development programmes to be implemented and set priorities (draft project proposals must be printed and distributed at the Sabha, which examines them and decides the priority order).
- Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary service, money or materials, and mobilise resources for effective implementation of development projects.
B. Public Amenity Projects
- Suggest where to locate street lights, public water taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities and other public amenities.
C. Public Works
- Know the estimates and material cost details of works implemented or proposed in the area (details must be distributed at the Sabha).
- Monitor and assist the beneficiary committees that undertake development programmes.
- Collect detailed estimate information for works proposed in the area.
