Gram Sabha/ Ward Sabha
Gram Sabha/ Ward Sabha :
Grama Sabha and Ward Sabha are the foundation of decentralized governance and participatory democracy in India. Established under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts, they ensure direct public participation in local self-governance.
Overview & Key Features
| Feature | Grama Sabha | Ward Sabha |
|---|---|---|
| Area of Operation | Grama Panchayats (Rural areas) | Municipalities & Corporations (Urban areas) |
| Composition | All registered voters in a Panchayat ward | All registered voters in a Municipal ward |
| Convenor | Elected Ward Member | Elected Ward Councilor |
| Chairperson | Panchayat President or Ward Member | Municipal Chairperson / Mayor or Ward Councilor |
| Frequency | Minimum 4 times a year | Minimum 4 times a year |
| Quorum | 10% of total voters (or 50 members for adjourned meetings) | 10% of total voters (or 50 members for adjourned meetings) |
Core Responsibilities & Powers
- Beneficiary Selection: Directly approves and finalizes priority lists for housing, welfare pensions, and government assistance schemes.
- Development Planning: Proposes, discusses, and prioritizes local infrastructure projects such as roads, sanitation, water supply, and street lighting.
- Social Audit: Evaluates the annual expenditure, budget statements, and implementation status of ongoing projects to ensure transparency and prevent corruption.
- Grievance Redressal: Serves as a direct public forum to raise community issues and hold local administration accountable.