Ward Committee / Gramasabha
Grama Sabha
This is the most important system in a democratic governance setup that allows ordinary citizens to participate directly in governance
Members: All voters in each ward of a gram panchayat are members of that ward's Grama Sabha.
Convenor: The concerned gram panchayat member (ward member) is the convenor of the Grama Sabha.
Meetings: The Grama Sabha must meet at least 4 times a year.
Functions:
Select beneficiaries for various welfare schemes.
Formulate panchayat schemes (project planning).
Discuss budgets, audit reports, and estimates of public works.
Understand the rationale behind the decisions taken by the panchayat.
Quorum: The quorum (the minimum number of members required to hold a meeting) is 10 percent of the total members.
Ward Sabha / Ward Committee
Ward Sabha: In municipalities, this is a body comprising the voters of each ward in places with a population of less than one lakh. It has responsibilities similar to the Grama Sabha, and the ward councillor serves as the convenor.
Ward Committee: In municipalities or corporations, Ward Committees are formed in wards with a population of over one lakh, replacing the Ward Sabha.
Members (Committee): The elected representative of the ward (councillor) acts as the chairperson. It includes representatives of registered organizations, neighborhood groups (Ayalkoottams), political parties, educational institutions, and nominated members.
Responsibilities: Ensure participation in schemes and development activities, and discuss and evaluate development matters at the ward level.
Powers, Rights, and Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha
Related to Project Planning and Implementation
Collect Details: Help gather the details required for formulating development projects.
Suggestions and Priority: Prepare suggestions for projects and development programs to be implemented in the gram panchayat / municipality area, and determine priorities.
(Note: Draft project proposals must be printed and distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha, and the Sabha must examine them and determine the priority order.)
Provide Assistance: Provide help, facilities, voluntary service, and financial or material assistance for the effective implementation of development projects, and mobilize resources.
Ensure Efficiency: Ensure the efficiency of implemented development, service, and welfare projects.
Related to Public Amenity Projects
Suggest locations for installing street lights, public water taps, public wells, public sanitation units, irrigation facilities, and other public amenity projects.
Related to Public Works
Know Details: Learn about the estimates and cost details of materials for works implemented or proposed to be implemented in the area of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha. (Note: Details must be distributed in the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha.)
Monitor Committees: Monitor and assist beneficiary committees undertaking and implementing development programs.
Gather Estimate Information: Collect details of detailed estimates regarding works proposed to be implemented in the area.
Verification of Eligibility and Selection of Beneficiaries
Verify Eligibility: Verify the eligibility of recipients of various welfare assistance such as pensions and subsidies.
Prepare Priority List: Submit a draft priority list of applicants to the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha after receiving applications and conducting inquiries.
Regarding the Functioning of Officials
Participation: Upon request by the President/Chairperson, officials under the control of the gram panchayat/municipality must mandatorily attend the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings.
Coordinator: An official appointed by the local self-government institution shall function as the coordinator of the Grama Sabha/Ward Sabha.
