Gram Sabha / Ward Sabha
🏛️ Introduction – Ward Sabha / Gram Sabha
Gram Sabhas and Ward Sabhas are the most important foundations of Kerala’s decentralized planning process in local self-government institutions. They serve as crucial platforms for ensuring people’s participation, planning the development activities of the Panchayat from the grassroots level, and approving development projects.
As per the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, a Ward Sabha is constituted by including the voters of each ward. The Gram Sabha consists of the collective body of all Ward Sabhas in a Grama Panchayat.
👤 Member
A voter in a ward of a village is a member of the Gram Sabha of that ward. Similarly, a voter in a municipal ward is a member of the Ward Sabha of that ward. All voters in the ward have the right to actively participate in Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings and record their opinions.
📋 Convener
Ward Members serve as the Conveners of Gram Sabhas, while Ward Councillors serve as the Conveners of Ward Sabhas.
Special Situation: If a Convener is unable to perform their duties, the Chairperson of the local self-government institution may appoint a member from an adjoining ward as the Convener of that ward.
🎤 Presiding Officer of the Meeting
The President of the Grama Panchayat shall preside over a Gram Sabha meeting, while the Municipal Chairperson shall preside over a Ward Sabha meeting.
In the absence of the President/Chairperson, the Vice-President/Vice-Chairperson shall preside over the meeting. If both are absent, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.
📅 Convening the Meeting
The responsibility for convening Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings rests entirely with the Ward Member, who is also the Convener. The Convener is responsible for conducting the meetings regularly at the prescribed intervals.
🤝 Coordinator
An official designated by the Grama Panchayat/Municipality shall serve as the Coordinator of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha. The Coordinator is responsible for assisting the Convener in all activities and official matters related to the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha.
💡 Questions, Suggestions & Resolutions
Questions and Suggestions:
Members have the full right to submit, in writing, questions and suggestions that need to be considered by the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha either before the meeting or during the meeting.
Resolutions:
Resolutions on any issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha may be passed at the respective meeting on the basis of a majority vote.
⚙️ Major Duties and Powers of the Ward Sabha
1. Development Activities and Projects
- Discuss the development needs and problems of the ward and make recommendations to the Panchayat.
- Identify priority areas and determine priorities for inclusion in the Panchayat’s annual development plans.
- Select beneficiaries and eligible persons for various development schemes in a transparent manner.
2. Implementation and Monitoring
- Evaluate the progress and quality of various projects being implemented in the ward.
- Conduct social audits of the development activities and expenditures undertaken by the Panchayat.
- Disseminate information about various welfare schemes implemented by the Panchayat among the public.
3. Local Services and Taxation
- Discuss local issues such as tax collection, availability of drinking water, public sanitation, and waste management.
- Organize activities for the protection of drinking-water sources in the ward and the cleaning of streams, drains, and public places.
📢 Meetings and Notices
Advance information regarding the date, time, and venue of Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha meetings shall be communicated to the public at the ward level through notices and digital media.