Ward Committee / Grama Sabha

Grama Sabha

As per the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, the Grama Sabha consists of all voters whose names are included in the electoral roll of a particular ward.

Major Responsibilities of the Grama Sabha

  • To discuss Panchayat development plans and provide suggestions.
  • To participate in the selection of beneficiaries.
  • To express opinions regarding Annual Plans and the Budget.
  • To evaluate the activities of the Panchayat.
  • To bring local needs and issues to the attention of the Panchayat authorities.
  • To participate in social audits and public monitoring.

Grama Sabha Meetings

  • The Grama Sabha shall ordinarily be convened at least four times a year.
  • The date, time and venue of the meeting shall be informed to the public in advance.

Ward Committee

The Ward Committee is a committee constituted for facilitating the implementation of Grama Sabha decisions and coordinating development activities at the ward level.

Major Responsibilities of the Ward Committee

  • To identify the development needs of the ward.
  • To monitor the follow-up actions on decisions taken by the Grama Sabha.
  • To coordinate activities relating to sanitation, health, environmental protection, etc.
  • To create awareness among the public regarding Government and Panchayat schemes.
  • To bring public issues in the ward to the attention of the Panchayat authorities.

Chairperson of the Ward Committee

  • The elected Grama Panchayat Member (Ward Member) of the respective ward.

Citizen Participation

Active participation in Grama Sabha meetings and Ward Committee activities:

  • Strengthens democratic decentralisation.
  • Helps align development programmes with the actual needs of the people.
  • Enhances transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Panchayat.