Ward committee / Grama sabha

Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha | Poomangalam Grama Panchayat
Local Self Government Department - Government of Kerala
📌 Constitutional Structure and Office Bearers
• Members: All voters included in the electoral roll of a ward in a Grama Panchayat or Municipality are members of the Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha of that ward.
• Convener: The concerned Ward Member (Ward Councillor in Municipality) is the Convener of the Sabha. In cases where the Convener is unable to discharge duties, the head of the local body will entrust a member from a neighboring ward as the Convener.
• Chairperson: The Grama Panchayat President presides over the Grama Sabha meetings (Municipal Chairperson in Municipalities). In the absence of the President, the Vice President, or in the absence of both, the Convener shall preside over the meeting.
• Coordinator: An official is appointed as the Coordinator by the Grama Panchayat / Municipality to coordinate the activities of the Sabha and assist the Convener.
📅 Meetings and Bye-laws
  • Convening Meetings: The primary responsibility to convene meetings lies with the Ward Member (Convener).
  • Quorum: The legal quorum for a Grama Sabha / Ward Sabha meeting is 10 percent of the total voters.
  • Special Meeting: If at least 10% of the voters in the ward request in writing, the Convener must convene a special meeting within 15 days.
  • Questions and Suggestions: Members can submit questions and suggestions in writing for consideration before or during the meeting.
  • Resolutions: Resolutions can be passed by a majority vote at the meeting on any subject falling within the jurisdiction of the Sabha.
⚖️ Key Powers and Duties of Grama Sabha
A. Project Planning and Implementation:
  • Assist in data collection required for formulation of development plans.
  • Prepare development project proposals to be implemented in the Grama Panchayat area and prioritize them.
  • Provide resources and voluntary services for effective implementation of development schemes.
B. Public Amenity Projects:
  • Suggest locations for streetlights, public drinking water taps, public wells, public toilets, and irrigation facilities.
  • Propose various public amenity schemes and assist in their maintenance.
C. Public Works and Transparency:
  • Conduct Social Audit of construction works and services taking place at the ward level.
  • Prepare and approve the priority list of eligible beneficiaries for welfare schemes.
Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala • Citizen Participation for Transparent Governance