Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat are topics that often confuse people. Both Gram Sabha and Panchayat are distinct but complementary to each other. Gram Sabha is considered a fundamental unit of Panchayati Raj. The Gram Panchayat can be considered the executive body at the village level, consisting of a fixed number of members who are elected through Gram Pradhan elections every five years.
The head of a village is known as the Gram Pradhan, Sarpanch, or Mukhiya. Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats play a crucial role in the development of rural areas. Addressing employment, education, development, and other issues at the village level is crucial for India's progress, as even today 60 percent of the country's population lives in rural areas, and the rural sector leads the country in employment. In India, the rural sector still contributes 40 percent of the country's total employment. This article will provide information about Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
What is a Gram Sabha?
Gram Sabha refers to the total number of people included in the voter list of a village or a group of villages, which constitute a Gram Panchayat. The definition of a Gram Sabha requires a population of at least 200 or more.
Gram Sabha Members and Meetings
Gram Sabha meetings are convened once every three months, with notice given 15 days in advance. At least 5% of the Gram Sabha must be present at the meeting, otherwise the meeting is adjourned and reconvened.
Each Gram Sabha has a chairperson and a group of other members, known as the village head, sarpanch, or mukhiya. According to the rules, there is one Gram Panchayat member (ward member) for a population of 1,000, 11 for a population of 2,000, and 15 for a population of 3,000.
Functions and Powers of the Gram Sabha
The Gram Sabha controls the budget passed by the Gram Panchayat.
Ensures transparency and accountability through discussions at Gram Sabha meetings.
Ensures equality and eliminates inequality among all sections of the village.
Questions the Gram Panchayat regarding any public welfare scheme, income, and expenditure.
Brings any other issues to the attention of the Gram Panchayat.
Identifies appropriate beneficiaries for schemes.
Act and makes recommendations on the monitoring committee's report.
What is a Gram Panchayat?
For development work and basic schemes in rural areas, the Gram Sabha constitutes or creates an executive body called the Gram Panchayat. Its candidates are drawn from the list of Gram Sabha members, and the President of the Gram Panchayat is elected through a fair election. The Gram Panchayat is considered the executive body at the village level.
With 1/3 of the Gram Panchayat votes, the Gram Sabha can be called for a meeting at any time, and the Gram Panchayat President must call a meeting within 15 days. After the Pradhan, the Deputy Pradhan is elected solely by the Gram Panchayat members, and after the election is complete, the designated authority can also nominate the Deputy Pradhan.
Functions and Powers of the Gram Panchayat
Assisting with development work in the village.
Identifying eligible beneficiaries in the village for implementing a scheme (if the Gram Sabha is unable to do so).
Working on issues related to employment, education, and health within the village.
Working on all issues related to energy, roads, and village development in the village or raising them with the government at the appropriate level.
Work related to livestock development.
Approving and allocating scholarships to eligible boys and girls in the village.
Providing pension and other benefits to poor families and the elderly in the village.
Providing subsidized food through ration or the public distribution system.
To call regular meetings of the Gram Sabha as per the provisions.
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