WARD COMMITTE/ GRAMSABHAS

Grama Sabha

Under the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, the Grama Sabha consists of all voters included in the electoral roll of a particular ward.

Major Functions of the Grama Sabha

  • Discuss development plans of the Panchayat and make recommendations.
  • Participate in the selection of beneficiaries for various schemes.
  • Express views and provide feedback on the Annual Plan and Budget.
  • Evaluate the activities and functioning of the Grama Panchayat.
  • Bring local needs, issues, and problems to the attention of the Panchayat authorities.
  • Participate in social audits and public monitoring of Panchayat activities.

Grama Sabha Meetings

  • The Grama Sabha is generally required to meet at least four times a year.
  • The date, time, and venue of the meeting are notified to the public in advance.

Ward Committee

The Ward Committee is a committee formed to facilitate the implementation of Grama Sabha decisions and coordinate development activities at the ward level.

Major Functions of the Ward Committee

  • Identify the development needs and priorities of the ward.
  • Monitor follow-up action on decisions taken by the Grama Sabha.
  • Coordinate activities relating to sanitation, public health, environmental protection, and other local concerns.
  • Create public awareness about Government and Panchayat schemes.
  • Bring common issues and problems of the ward to the attention of the Panchayat authorities.

Chairperson of the Ward Committee

  • The elected Grama Panchayat Member (Ward Member) of the concerned ward serves as the Chairperson.

Citizen Participation

Active participation of citizens in Grama Sabhas and Ward Committee activities:

  • Strengthens democratic decentralization.
  • Ensures that development programmes are aligned with the actual needs of the people.
  • Enhances transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Panchayat.