Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha | TV Puram Grama Panchayat

Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

1. What is Gram Sabha?

Subject	Information
What is Gram Sabha?	Gram Sabha is a people's forum formed on the basis of each constituency of the Grama Panchayat. It consists of all persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of the concerned constituency.
Importance of Public Participation	Gram Sabha is an important democratic forum for ensuring the direct participation and expression of opinions of the people in the functioning of Local Self-Government Institutions.
Main Objective	The main objectives are to identify the development needs of the locality, discuss development projects, examine beneficiaries of various welfare schemes, and provide information to the public about Panchayat activities.

2. Main Structure

Component	Details	Key Information
Scope of Gram Sabha	Each constituency of the Grama Panchayat	There will be a separate Gram Sabha for each constituency.
Members	Voters of the concerned area	All persons whose names are included in the electoral roll of the concerned constituency are members of the Gram Sabha.
Presiding Authority	Convener as prescribed by law	An official system shall be in place for convening and conducting meetings and recording the minutes.
Panchayat Representation	Concerned Ward Member / Panchayat System	It is an important forum for presenting the needs and suggestions of the people of the area at the Panchayat level.
Sub-Committees	As required	Sub-committees may be formed to examine specific subjects in detail and to ensure effective implementation of projects.

3. Information Regarding Meetings

Subject	Information	Explanation
Frequency of Meetings	At least once every three months	As per law, the Gram Sabha is required to meet at prescribed intervals.
Notice of Meeting	As per law and rules	Necessary steps shall be taken to inform the public in advance about the date, time, venue and agenda of the meeting.
Quorum	10% of voters	The quorum for an ordinary Gram Sabha meeting is 10 percent of the total number of voters in the concerned area.
Main Subjects of the Meeting	Development, Welfare Schemes, Budget, Project Activities	Development needs of the locality, progress of projects, beneficiary selection and Panchayat activities may be discussed.
Decisions	Based on majority	As far as possible, efforts should be made to take decisions on the basis of general consensus.
Minutes & Follow-up Action	Recording of decisions	The decisions taken at the meeting shall be recorded in the minutes book and necessary follow-up action shall be taken.

4. Powers and Responsibilities of Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha

Sl. No.	Power / Responsibility	Explanation
1	Identification of Development Needs	Discuss the basic infrastructure, social and economic needs of the area and suggest priorities.
2	Participation in Development Projects	Provide opinions and suggestions regarding development projects, priorities and implementation in the area.
3	Beneficiary Selection	Examine beneficiary lists under various government welfare schemes and record opinions regarding eligible beneficiaries.
4	Review of Panchayat Activities	Assess the progress and effectiveness of development activities implemented and being implemented in the area.
5	Right to Know Budget and Project Information	Obtain and discuss information regarding budget allocations, project expenditure, work estimates and expenditure related to the Gram Sabha area.
6	Social Audit / Review	Evaluate Panchayat activities, implementation of projects and available services through public participation and provide suggestions.
7	Public Complaints and Suggestions	Present public issues, deficiencies in services and development needs of the area and provide suggestions for solutions.
8	Discussion of Audit Reports	Discuss audit / performance audit reports submitted for consideration by the Gram Sabha and provide opinions and suggestions to the concerned Panchayat.
9	Strengthening Public Participation	Help ensure active participation of people in development activities and the Local Self-Government system.
10	Decisions and Recommendations	Discuss matters related to the public interest of the area and submit decisions, recommendations and suggestions to the concerned Panchayat.