Moodadi
Grama Panchayat

1. What is Ward Sabha and Gram Sabha?

Ward Sabhas and Gram Sabhas are mechanisms that provide direct participation of the people in the administrative affairs of the local self-government bodies of the Gram Panchayats, Municipalities and Corporations in Kerala.

• Ward Sabha: This is a meeting of all the voters of a ward in a municipality or corporation.

• Gram Sabha: This is a meeting of all the voters of a ward in a Gram Panchayat. Although these are commonly called 'Gram Sabha' in the case of Gram Panchayat, the meetings are held in their respective wards.

        All the persons whose names are in the voter list of a ward have the right to participate in these meetings. This is the smallest unit of direct democracy.

2. Structure and Chairmanship

• Chairperson: The ward member/councillor representing the respective ward will be the chairman of the assembly.

• Officers: Panchayat/Municipal officers will also attend the assembly and provide information and answer questions.

• Meeting: The Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha should normally be convened at least four times a year (at least once in 3 months as per the law).

3. Important Duties and Powers

        The Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha has very important powers related to local government:

• Planning: Formulate and prioritize development plans for the next year. The suggestions of the Gram Sabha have to be considered before approving the plans.

• Financial Audit: Examine the accounts and reports of the amount spent in the ward and approve it.

• Selection of beneficiaries: Transparently select and approve the beneficiaries for various government schemes (housing, pension, etc.).

• Review and Evaluation: Evaluate the progress of development activities and welfare schemes in the ward.

• Provision of information: Disseminate information about the activities of the Panchayat/Municipality to the people.

• Grievance Redressal: Provide an opportunity to raise public issues and bring local grievances to the attention of the authorities.

4. Importance

The Gram Sabha/Ward Sabha is not just a meeting, but a pillar in ensuring public participation, transparency and accountability in grassroots governance.

• Decentralization of power: Power is transferred from centralized governance to ordinary citizens.

•Transparency: Matters ranging from project planning to selection of beneficiaries are discussed openly.

•Accountability: People's representatives (ward members/councillors) get an opportunity to question and evaluate their activities in front of the people.

•Resource mobilization: Local resources and needs can be identified and projects can be prioritized accordingly.