Gramasabha/Ward Sabha
Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha
A Gram Sabha is considered to consist of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll relating to a village falling within the territorial area of a Gram Panchayat.
Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha Member
A voter of a particular ward in a village is a member of the Gram Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter of a particular ward in a municipality is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward.
Convener of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha
The ward members are the Conveners of the Gram Sabhas, while ward councillors are the Conveners of the Ward Sabhas. However, if a Convener is unable to perform their duties, the Chairperson of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from an adjacent ward as the Convener of that ward.
Chairperson
The Gram Panchayat President shall preside over the Gram Sabha meeting, while the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over the Ward Sabha meeting.
In Gram Panchayats, in the absence of the President, the Vice-President shall preside over the meeting. In the absence of both, the Convener shall preside.
Similarly, in municipalities, in the absence of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson or a Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson shall preside. In the absence of all of them, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.
Convening of Meetings
The responsibility for convening Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings rests with the ward member, who is also the Convener.
Quorum
The quorum for a Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha is 10% of the total number of voters. However, if the meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and reconvened later, 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 Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha within 15 days.
Coordinator
An officer designated by the Gram Panchayat/Municipality shall function as the Coordinator of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha. The Coordinator shall assist the Convener in all activities related to the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha.
Questions and Suggestions
Members have the right to submit, in writing, questions and suggestions to be considered at the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha, either before the meeting or during the meeting.
Resolutions
A resolution may be passed by a majority vote on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha.
Powers and Responsibilities of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha
A. Related to Planning and Implementation of Development Projects
- Assist in collecting the details required for formulating development projects.
- Prepare proposals for projects and development programmes to be implemented within the Gram Panchayat/Municipality area and determine their priorities.
- Provide assistance, facilities, voluntary services, financial support, or material contributions for the effective implementation of development projects, and help mobilize such resources.
B. Related to Public Utility Projects
- Suggest locations for the installation of streetlights, public water-supply taps, public wells, public sanitation facilities, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects.
C. Related to Public Works
- Obtain information regarding estimates of works and details of expenditure on materials.
- Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking development programmes.
- Collect details of detailed estimates relating to works proposed to be implemented in the area.