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Gram Sabha

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15 views

Gram Sabha

Uploaded by

mpsundar kasiraja
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GRAM SABHA

The Gram Sabha, the village assembly, serves as a cornerstone of grassroots democracy
in Tamil Nadu. Mandated by the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, these meetings play a
crucial role in empowering rural communities and ensuring participatory governance.

FREQUENCY AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS

The Act stipulates that Gram Sabha meetings must be convened by the village panchayat
heads on six specific occasions: Republic Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Gandhi
Jayanti, World Water Day, and Local Self-Governance Day.

 This regular convening fosters a culture of community engagement and ensures


that local issues are consistently addressed.
 The efficient conduct of these meetings is paramount. In the absence of the
president, the vice president assumes the chair, and in their absence, a member
is elected by the assembly to preside. This ensures continuity and democratic
decision-making within the Gram Sabha.
 The presence of government officials from relevant departments is crucial. Their
participation enhances transparency, facilitates access to information, and
enables effective coordination between the panchayat and government agencies.

VENUE, DAY, AND TIME OF MEETINGS

Grama Sabha meetings must be held in a public place within the Village Panchayat
jurisdiction. Meetings are scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on a working day, unless otherwise
notified, and cannot occur on public holidays without special approval.

NOTICE FOR MEETINGS

A seven-day advance notice must be issued, specifying the date, time, venue, and
agenda. This is communicated through:

 Drum announcements in all village habitations.

 Written notices displayed in prominent public locations, such as schools, temples,


and water tanks.

 Copies sent to the Inspector.

QUORUM REQUIREMENTS

The minimum attendance for a meeting varies based on the Village Panchayat
population:

 Up to 500: 50 members.

 501 to 3,000: 100 members.

 3,001 to 10,000: 200 members.

 Above 10,000: 300 members.


At least one-third of attendees must be women, and representation of Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes must reflect their population proportion.

 Adjournment of Meetings: If a quorum is not met within 30 minutes of the


scheduled start time, the meeting is adjourned to a later date, to be notified by
the Presiding Officer.
 Observers and Reporting: The Inspector may appoint an Observer, typically a
Block Development Officer, to oversee proceedings and submit a report within 72
hours.

OBJECTIVES OF GRAM SABHA MEETINGS

The primary objectives of Gram Sabha meetings are multifaceted. They aim to promote
transparency and accountability in panchayat administration, ensuring that public funds
are utilized effectively and responsibly. Furthermore, these meetings provide a platform
for community members to actively participate in the planning and implementation of
development projects, ensuring that local needs and priorities are reflected in the
development agenda.

EMPOWERING RURAL COMMUNITIES

The Gram Sabha also serves as a crucial forum for public participation. Beneficiaries are
encouraged to express their preferences and concerns regarding development projects,
ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Moreover, the Gram Sabha
facilitates social auditing, allowing the community to scrutinize the activities of the
panchayat and ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently and equitably.

SIGNIFICANCE OF GRAM SABHA DECISIONS

The power of the Gram Sabha lies in its ability to empower rural communities. It provides
a platform for villagers to raise concerns, express grievances, and participate in decision-
making processes that directly impact their lives.

 The active participation of all members is encouraged, and any attempts to


suppress their voices or restrict their participation are considered an offense.
 The Madras High Court's ruling on the prohibition of government liquor shops in
villages where the Gram Sabha has passed a resolution against them underscores
the significance of these assemblies.
 It demonstrates that the decisions of the Gram Sabha are respected and have
legal implications, further strengthening the power and authority of these village
assemblies.

In conclusion, the Gram Sabha meetings in Tamil Nadu play a vital role in empowering
rural communities, promoting participatory governance, and ensuring that local needs
and priorities are addressed effectively. By providing a platform for public participation,
enhancing transparency, and facilitating social auditing, these meetings contribute
significantly to the development and well-being of rural communities in the state.

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