Question

Describe the function of Gram sabha.

Answer 1

Hint: Every village should have a Gram Sabha as per PESA. A vibrant Gram Sabha is very important for the better functioning of Panchayats for transparency purposes.

Complete answer: Gram sabha is the principal body of the Panchayati raj system. It is like the Panchayati raj and village development. The term 'Gram sabha' comes in the constitution of India under Article 243(b). Every decision of panchayat is taken by gram sabha and no decision can be made without the consent of gram sabha. Gram sabha regulates the local governance and development and makes the need-based plan for the welfare of the village. It is a permanent body. Gram sabha is the sabha of electorates. Institutions of Panchayati raj like Gram Panchayat, Zila Parishad, etc. are constituted by elected representatives. Gram sabha takes all the decisions, and no other body cannot annul it. A person who is above the age of 18 and is living in a village and if his/her name is included in the electoral roll for Panchayat can be a member of Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha must meet at least two to four times a year according to state Panchayat Raj acts. The Panchayat Secretary organizes the Gram Sabha meeting after the approval of the Sarpanch. The Sarpanch can conduct Gram Sabha meetings with members of gram sabha or 50 persons of Gram sabha whichever is more, submits the request for holding a Gram sabha.

Note: 73rd constitutional amendment, was done to ensure local self-governance and granting constitutional to Panchayati raj. Gram sabha lies in Part IX and the 11th Schedule of the Indian constitution. The Ashok Mehta Committee was constituted in 1997 and it gave suggestions regarding the three-tier Panchayati raj system.