Functions and responsibilities of Gram Sabha

1. Key funct ions of Gram Sabha

2. Role of Sarpanch in Gram Sabha
3. Role of Panchayat Secret ary in Gram Sabha
i. Pre-Gram Sabha dut ies
ii. Dut ies during Gram Sabha
iii. Post Gram Sabha dut ies

Const it ut ion ment ions t hat Gram Sabha exercises such powers and performs such funct ions at t he village level as t he Legislat ure of a St at e may, by law,
provide. For inst ance, t hey approve of t he plans, programmes and project s for social and economic development before such plans, programmes and project s
are t aken up for implement at ion by t he Panchayat at t he village level (Panchayat at t he village level is ot herwise known as Gram Panchayat ). It is also
responsible for t he ident ificat ion or select ion of persons as beneficiaries under t he povert y alleviat ion and ot her programmes. Every Panchayat at t he village
level are required to obt ain from t he Gram Sabha a cert ificat ion of ut ilisat ion of funds by t hat Panchayat for such plans, programmes and project s
implement ed.

Key functions of Gram Sabha

Following are t he import ant and specific funct ions of Gram Sabha:

To help implementation of the development programmes and schemes of the Panchayat.

To identify beneficiaries for different programmes and schemes. However, if the Gram Sabha fails to identify such beneficiaries within a
reasonable time, the Gram Panchayat shall identify the beneficiaries.
To solicit support — in cash or kind or both and voluntary labour — from the public for community welfare programmes.
To support the programmes of mass education and family welfare.
To promote unity and harmony among all sections of the society in the village.
To seek clarification from the Mukhiya, Up-Mukhiya and other members of the Gram Panchayat about any particular activity, scheme, income and
expenditure.
To discuss and recommend appropriate action with regard to reports of the Vigilance Committee.
Other related matters brought to the notice of the Gram Sabha.
To consider levy of taxes, rates, rents & fees & enhancement of rates thereof.
To consider all such matters as may be referred by the Gram Panchayat for its decision.

Role of Sarpanch in Gram Sabha

Sarpanch is legally bound to organize Gram Sabha meetings.
It is an obligatory duty of Sarpanch to organize a minimum of two Gram Sabha meetings every year on the dates prescribed by the Government.

Sarpanch should take steps to ensure larger participation of people at Gram Sabha meetings.
Sarpanch should take all measures to ensure participation of people from all sections of society mainly, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes,
Women, and he should encourage them to express their grievances and give suggestions in the Gram Sabha, which are discussed in detail in the
next meeting.

Sarpanch should preside over the Gram Sabha meetings, except that of Social Audit Gram Sabha.
Sarpanch should sign the register meant for recording the minutes of Gram Sabha meeting.
As the chairperson of the Gram Sabha meeting, the Sarpanch can answer the questions raised at the Gram Sabha by the members.
T he sarpanch has to ensure that the suggestions made in the Gram Sabha meeting, are discussed on priority basis in Gram Panchayat meetings.
Sarpanch should play a pro-active role for initiating proper action on the Gram Sabha resolutions.

Role of Panchayat Secretary in Gram Sabha

T he role of Panchayat Secret ary is vit al at Gram Sabha. T he dut ies of Panchayat Secret ary can broadly be cat egorized into t hree st ages:

Pre-Gram Sabha
 During Gram Sabha, and
Post Gram Sabha

Pre-Gram Sabha duties

T he pre Gram Sabha dut ies of Panchayat Secret ary include:

Finalisation of agenda for Gram Sabha in consultation with the Sarpanch.

Issuing notice of Gram Sabha meeting.
Publicising widely the Gram Sabha meeting details, such as the date, time and venue.
Preparing the Action Taken Report on the resolutions of the previous Gram Sabha meeting.
Preparation of notes on the agenda items to be placed before the current Gram Sabha meeting.
Providing proper seating, drinking water facilities and sanitation facilities for people attending the Gram Sabha meeting.

Duties during Gram Sabha

T he dut ies of Panchayat Secret ary during t he conduct of Gram Sabha include:

Recording the details of members attending the meeting of Gram Sabha.

Presenting the Action Taken Report on resolutions of previous Gram Sabha meeting.
Ensuring the smooth conduct of the meeting of Gram Sabha as per its Agenda.
Assisting the Sarpanch in recording the minutes of Gram Sabha.
Recording of votes casted in favour/against of any resolution placed before Gram Sabha

Post Gram Sabha duties

T hese include

To coordinate with the Sarpanch and ward members for considering the resolutions of Gram Sabha in Gram Panchayat meetings.
To send report on the Gram Sabha meeting to the higher officials concerned.

Source : National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad

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