Ward Sabha / Gram Sabha

🏛️ Ward Sabha / Gram Sabha

 

A Gram Sabha consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of a village falling within the territorial jurisdiction of a Gram Panchayat.

Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha Member

Every voter registered in the electoral roll of a ward in a village is a member of the Gram Sabha of that ward. Likewise, every voter in a ward of a Municipality is a member of the corresponding Ward Sabha.

Convener of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

The elected Ward Member serves as the Convener of the Gram Sabha, while the Ward Councillor serves as the Convener of the Ward Sabha. If the Convener is unable to perform these 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 President of the Gram Panchayat presides over the meetings of the Gram Sabha, and the Municipal Chairperson presides over the meetings of the Ward Sabha.

In Gram Panchayats, if the President is absent, the Vice President shall preside. If both are absent, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.

In Municipalities, if the Chairperson is absent, the Deputy Chairperson shall preside. If the Deputy Chairperson is also absent, the Standing Committee Chairperson nominated by the Chairperson shall preside, and in their absence, the Convener shall preside.

Convening Meetings

The responsibility for convening Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha meetings rests with the Ward Member, who also serves as the Convener.

Quorum

The quorum for a Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha meeting shall be 10% of the total registered voters of the ward. If a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum, the quorum for the reconvened meeting shall be 50 members.

Right of Voters to Request a Special Meeting

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

Coordinator

An officer designated by the Gram Panchayat or Municipality shall act as the Coordinator of the Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha. The Coordinator shall assist the Convener in all matters relating to the conduct and functioning of the Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha.

Questions and Suggestions

Members have the right to submit questions, suggestions, and proposals relating to matters to be considered by the Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha either before the meeting or during the meeting, in writing.

Resolutions

The Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha may pass resolutions by majority vote on any matter falling within its jurisdiction and 

powers.

🏛️ Powers and Functions of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Powers and Functions of the Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

A. Functions Related to Planning and Implementation of Development Projects

  • Assist in collecting the information required for the preparation of development plans.

  • Prepare proposals for development projects and programmes to be implemented within the Gram Panchayat or Municipality and determine their order of priority.

    (Draft project proposals shall be printed and distributed to the members of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha for discussion, scrutiny, and prioritization.)

  • Extend support for the effective implementation of development projects by providing assistance, facilitating necessary arrangements, offering voluntary service, and contributing or mobilizing financial and material resources.

B. Functions Related to Public Utility Projects

  • Recommend suitable locations for the installation of streetlights, public water supply taps, public wells, sanitation facilities, irrigation systems, and other public utility infrastructure.

C. Functions Related to Public Works

  • Obtain information regarding the estimates, material costs, and other details of public works that have been implemented or are proposed to be implemented within the jurisdiction of the Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha.

    (These details shall be made available and distributed during the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha meeting.)

  • Monitor and support Beneficiary Committees entrusted with the implementation of development programmes.
  • Collect and examine detailed estimates and related information concerning public works proposed to be undertaken within the area.