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Introduction to the Gram Sabha
As per Article 243(b), the Gram Sabha is a legal body that performs legislative functions at the village level. The main focus of Gram Sabha is to promote village development, safety, equality, and social justice. The body itself consists of individuals whose names are present in the Panchayat or Village level electoral rolls.
The Gram Sabha is also an overseeing body for the gram Panchayat in a village. It is responsible for supervising the Panchayat over finances, mandates, reports, etc., to maintain democracy in decisions. This is essential as all Panchayat decisions need to be approved by the Gram Sabha before they are legally valid. Apart from this, the State Legislature is responsible for determining and defining the role, power, and responsibility of the Gram Sabha.
Functions of Gram Sabha
The following are the functions of the Gram Sabha–
- Promote equality and fairness among all members in the village irrespective of caste, gender, creed, race, etc.
- Aid in the growth and functioning of community welfare programs, whether in cash or kind.
- Aid the Panchayat in implementing schemes and programmes focused on village development.
- Perform regular audits on the financial reports of the Panchayat to ensure transparency and correctness.
- Identifying beneficiaries for village development schemes. However, if not done, this function is done by the Gram Panchayat.
- Review and approve the activities of the Gram Panchayat and maintain constant communication with them.
Apart from these, there are also many other functions of the Gram Sabha that all promote village development and equality. For example, special requests such as financial aid or labour arrangement for educational, infrastructural, social, etc., growth programmes are not uncommon.
Gram Sabha Meetings
Gram Sabha meetings occur at least two/four times a year, depending on the state, but there are no maximum meetings. These meetings can take place on any date throughout the calendar year as long as it is convenient for the members. However, most states have defined these 4 national holidays as meeting dates:
- 26th January (Republic Day)
- 1st May (Labour day)
- 15th August (Independence Day)
- 2nd October (Gandhi Jayanti)
Gram Sabha meetings are to be held when either 50 members or 10% of the Gram Sabha (whichever is greater) submit a request for a meeting. After this, it is the responsibility of the Sarpanch to convene the meeting on the requested date. The Gram Sabha members can organise the meeting themselves and convene accordingly if they fail to do so.
All meetings will also have a pre-defined agenda of topics to be discussed. This agenda is of utmost importance, and the members of the meeting will go through them one by one while a voting system is used for most decisions. All details and discussions of the meeting are recorded and sent to higher officials after it has ended.
Differences Between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat
This table covers some of the differences between the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
Basis | Gram Sabha | Gram Panchayat |
Meaning | It is a legislative body operating at the village level. It is responsible for auditing the finances, budgets, and reports of the Gram Panchayat. Also, it is also focused on promoting the development, equality, and overall welfare of the village. | It is a body present at the lower tier of the Panchayat Raj system. Its functions are to promote the welfare and development of the village. Also, all schemes and decisions taken by the Gram Panchayat need to be approved by the Gram Sabha. |
Members | Members are individuals residing in the village, above 18 years of age, and have their names on the Panchayat election roll. Hence, they are not elected | The Gram Panchayat consists of elected members; the Sarpanch, Panches, and ward members. |
Type Of Body | According to Article 243(b), the Gram Sabha is a permanent body. | This is a temporary body. |
Meetings | Meetings are compulsory 2/4 times a year, depending on the specific state rules. These meetings are convened at the request of either 50 or 10% members of the Sabha. The agenda for these meetings is pre-defined and informed to the members. | Meetings take place at least once a month. Notices are to be provided to all members a minimum of five days prior unless 50% or more members agree to hold a special meeting. |
Conclusion
Gram Sabha is an important institution in India. These village-level bodies are important for overseeing the Gram Panchayat and also promoting village growth. There are many functions of the Gram Sabha that are important to understand the topic. Also, understand the differences between Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat as the two topics can be confusing to differentiate.
