Ward Committee/ Gramasabha

1. Grama Sabha

The Grama Sabha is the most vital tier in a democratic governance system, ensuring the direct participation of ordinary citizens in local administration.

Members: All registered voters in each ward of a Grama Panchayat are members of that ward's Grama Sabha.

Convenor: The elected Grama Panchayat Member (Ward Member) of the respective ward serves as the Convenor.

Meetings: The Grama Sabha must meet at least four times a year.

Quorum: The quorum (the minimum number of members required to conduct a meeting) is 10% of the total members.

Key Functions:

  • Selecting beneficiaries for various welfare schemes.
  • Formulating and planning local development projects for the Panchayat.
  • Discussing the annual budget, audit reports, and estimates of public works.
  • Understanding and reviewing the rationale behind decisions taken by the Panchayat.

2. Ward Sabha / Ward Committee

Ward Sabha

In Municipalities (urban local bodies) with a population of less than one lakh, a Ward Sabha is formed, comprising all registered voters of each ward. Its duties are similar to those of a Grama Sabha, and the respective Ward Councillor acts as the Convenor.

Ward Committee

In Municipalities or Corporations with a population of more than one lakh, a Ward Committee is constituted instead of a Ward Sabha.

Members: The elected representative of the ward (Councillor) serves as the Chairperson. The committee includes representatives from registered organizations, neighborhood groups (AyalKoottams), political parties, educational institutions, and other nominated members.

Responsibilities: Ensuring public participation in local projects and development activities, and discussing as well as evaluating development matters at the ward level.

3. Powers, Rights, and Duties of Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha

I. Project Planning and Implementation

Data Collection: Assist in collecting the necessary data and details required for formulating development projects.

Proposals and Prioritization: Prepare proposals and determine priority lists for projects and development programs to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat/Municipality area.

Note: Draft project proposals must be printed and distributed in the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha. The Sabha will examine them and finalize the priority order.

Voluntary Assistance: Provide and mobilize voluntary services, financial aid, or materials to ensure the effective implementation of development projects.

Ensuring Efficiency: Ensure the efficiency and transparency of implemented development, service, and welfare schemes.

II. Public Utility Projects

Recommend the locations for installing streetlights, public water taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities, and other public utility projects.

III. Public Works (Infrastructure)

Access to Information: Right to know the detailed estimates, material costs, and expenditure details of projects implemented or proposed to be implemented in the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha area.

Note: These project details must be distributed during the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings.

Monitoring Committees: Monitor and assist Beneficiary Committees that undertake and execute local development programs.

Collecting Estimates: Gather detailed information regarding the estimates of works proposed to be undertaken in the area.

IV. Verification and Selection of Beneficiaries

Eligibility Verification: Verify the eligibility of persons receiving various welfare assistances, such as pensions and subsidies.

Preparation of Priority Lists:

Receive applications, conduct necessary enquiries, and present the draft priority list before the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Conduct a scrutiny of eligibility in the presence of the applicants.

Finalize and submit the approved priority list to the Grama Panchayat/Municipality.

Note: The Local Self-Government Institution (LSGI) has no authority to alter the priority order approved by the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Universal Selection Authority: The Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha holds the absolute authority to select beneficiaries in order of priority, not just for schemes by the Grama Panchayat/Municipality, but also for projects implemented by other tiers (Block/District Panchayats) and government departments.

Information Distribution: The list of individuals receiving benefits such as BPL cards, Ashraya schemes, and welfare pensions must be distributed in the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.

Ensuring Fair Distribution: Ensure that benefits reach the genuinely deserving individuals and prevent ineligible persons from receiving them.

V. Functioning of Government Officials

Mandatory Attendance: Officials under the control of the Grama Panchayat/Municipality must mandatory attend the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings when requested by the President/Chairperson.

Coordinator: An official designated by the Local Self-Government Institution shall function as the Coordinator of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.