Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A Platform for Strengthening Local Self-Governance through Public Participation

``` 

A Major Platform for Public Participation
The Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha is one of the most important platforms for strengthening local self-governance through public participation.

 

What is a Grama Sabha?
A Grama Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village within the territorial area of a Grama Panchayat.
Main Objective
To directly incorporate the opinions and needs of the people into the development activities of the Local Self-Government Institution.
Member of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
A voter 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
Ward members are the conveners of Grama Sabhas and Ward Sabhas. If the Convener is unable to discharge the responsibilities, the Chairperson of the Local Self-Government Institution may appoint a member from the adjacent ward as the Convener.

 

Chairperson
The Grama Panchayat President presides over the Grama Sabha. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President presides, and in the absence of both, the Convener presides. In municipalities, the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, or the Chairperson of the designated Standing Committee presides.

 

Convening the Meeting
The responsibility for convening meetings of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha rests with the ward member, who is also the Convener. The date, time, and venue of the meeting must be communicated to the public in advance.

 

Quorum
The quorum of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha is 10 percent of the total number of voters.
If the meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum, the quorum for the reconvened meeting shall be 50 members.
Note:
Ensuring the quorum gives legal validity to the decisions taken at the meeting.

 

Special Meeting
If 10% or more of the voters of a ward submit a written request, the Convener shall convene a special Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meeting 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 assists the Convener in all activities.

 

Questions and Suggestions
All members have the right to submit in writing questions, suggestions, and opinions to be considered at the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, either before the meeting or during the meeting.
✔ Questions    ✔ Suggestions    ✔ Opinions

 

Resolutions
A resolution may be passed on any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, based on a majority decision.
Democratic Decision 
The opinion of every member of the Grama Sabha is important. 

 

A. Plan Formulation and Implementation
One of the most important responsibilities of the Grama Sabha is to ensure public participation in the formulation and implementation of development projects.
✔ Collect information required for preparing development projects.
✔ Provide suggestions and priorities for projects to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat.
✔ Examine draft plans and submit opinions and suggestions.
✔ Provide voluntary service and assistance for the successful implementation of projects.
✔ Mobilize money or materials to support development activities.

 

B. Public Facility Projects
The Grama Sabha can provide suggestions for improving public facilities in the village.
✔ Suggest locations where street lights should be installed.
✔ Suggest locations where public water taps and wells should be established.
✔ Provide opinions regarding public sanitation facilities.
✔ Provide suggestions for improving irrigation facilities.
✔ Suggest other public facility development projects.

 

C. Public Works
The Grama Sabha has the authority to monitor and evaluate development activities in the area.
✔ Examine estimates and expenditure details.
✔ Monitor and assist the functioning of beneficiary committees.
✔ Obtain details of the works proposed to be implemented.
✔ Evaluate the progress of development activities.
✔ Ensure that public works are beneficial to the people.

 

Importance of the Grama Sabha
The Grama Sabha is a fundamental component of democracy. People directly participate in development activities and present their needs and opinions before the Local Self-Government Institution.
✔ Ensures public participation.
✔ Increases transparency in development activities.
✔ Gives priority to the needs of the public.
✔ Strengthens accountability and social audit.

 

Message
“Strong Grama Sabha – Strong Democracy – Strong Panchayat”

```