Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha
Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
1. Definition
Grama Sabha: A Grama Sabha is a body consisting of all persons whose names are included in the voters’ list of a particular ward of a Grama Panchayat.
Ward Sabha: The Ward Sabha is a similar participatory local governance forum functioning in municipalities and corporations in urban areas.
2. Structure and Office Bearers
Convener: The concerned Ward Member / Councillor.
Chairperson: The Panchayat President (Chairperson / Mayor in urban local bodies) or the Ward Member.
Members: All voters whose names are included in the voters’ list of the respective ward.
3. Meetings and Quorum
Number of Meetings: The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha must meet at least four times a year.
Quorum: Normally, 10% of the total members constitutes the quorum.
Special Provision: If a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum, a subsequent meeting may be conducted with the participation of 50 members.
4. Major Functions and Powers
Selection of Beneficiaries: Eligible beneficiaries for various government and Panchayat welfare schemes are selected through the Grama Sabha.
Development Planning: The Sabha prepares a priority list of development activities to be implemented in the ward, including roads, drinking water projects, street lighting, etc.
Social Auditing: People have the right to review and question the previous year’s annual accounts, expenditure, and administrative report.
Problem Resolution: Public issues and local problems are brought to the attention of the government and local self-government institutions.
In conclusion, the Grama Sabha is a general assembly of voters in a ward of a local self-government institution. It is a key component of participatory democracy, through which people participate in development planning and identify beneficiaries for various welfare schemes.