Gram Panchayat

8. Constitution of Gram Panchayats

 What is a Gram Panchayat?
A Gram Panchayat is the elected executive body of a Gram
Sabha. It is responsible for governing the village or group of
villages in a Sabha area.
 Composition:
o Every Gram Sabha area will have a Gram Panchayat.
o The number of members in a Gram Panchayat depends on
the population of the Sabha area:
 For villages with smaller populations, the number of
members is fewer, while larger villages may have
more representatives.
o The members of the Gram Panchayat are elected by the
Gram Sabha.
 Elections:
o Elections for the Gram Panchayat are held under the
supervision of the State Election Commission.
o Members are chosen based on the principle of adult
suffrage, meaning every registered voter in the Sabha area
can vote.
o Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes,
Other Backward Classes, and women, ensuring inclusive
representation.
 Structure:
 o Pradhan: The head of the Gram Panchayat, elected by the
members.
o Up-Pradhan: The deputy head, elected by the Panchayat
members.
o Other elected members who represent the village
community.
 Purpose:
o The Gram Panchayat acts as the implementing body of the
Gram Sabha, handling administrative, developmental, and
welfare responsibilities for the village.

9. Meetings of Gram Panchayat

 Frequency of Meetings:
o The Gram Panchayat must hold regular meetings to
discuss and decide on matters of governance.
o Mandatory meetings:
 At least one meeting must be held every month.
 The Pradhan or, in their absence, the Up-Pradhan, is
responsible for calling these meetings.
 Quorum:
o For a meeting to be valid, at least half of the total
members of the Panchayat must be present.
o If the quorum is not met, the meeting is postponed and
rescheduled.
 Agenda of Meetings:
o The agenda must be prepared in advance and shared with
the members.
 o Topics discussed typically include development plans,
financial matters, welfare schemes, complaints, and
resolutions.
 Decision-making Process:
o Decisions are taken by majority vote, and each member
has one vote.
o The Pradhan has the casting vote in case of a tie.
 Transparency:
o Meetings are open to public scrutiny to ensure
accountability.

10. Maintenance of Gram Panchayat Records etc.

 Responsibility for Record Maintenance:
o The Gram Panchayat must maintain proper records of all
its activities, decisions, and financial transactions.
o Records are crucial for ensuring transparency,
accountability, and effective governance.
 Types of Records to be Maintained:
1. Minutes of Meetings:
 Detailed records of proceedings and decisions taken
in each meeting.
2. Financial Records:
 Accounts of income and expenditure, grants
received, and funds utilized.
3. Property Records:
  Documentation of properties owned or controlled
by the Gram Panchayat.
4. Development Project Reports:
 Status reports of ongoing and completed projects in
the village.
5. Welfare Scheme Records:
 Beneficiaries, funds distributed, and progress
reports of schemes like MGNREGA, pensions, etc.
 Access to Records:
o The records must be made available for inspection by the
public, ensuring transparency.
o They are also subject to audit by government authorities.
 Penalty for Mismanagement:
o Failure to maintain proper records or tampering with
them can lead to penalties or disciplinary action against
the responsible office-bearers.

11. Functions of Gram Panchayat

The Gram Panchayat is entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities
to ensure the welfare and development of the village. These are
broadly categorized into mandatory and discretionary functions:

Mandatory Functions (must be performed):

1. Sanitation and Public Health:
o Ensuring cleanliness in the village.
 o Managing garbage disposal and maintaining public
latrines.
o Monitoring drinking water supply and taking measures to
prevent waterborne diseases.
2. Welfare of Children and Women:
o Promoting education, health, and nutrition for children
and women.
o Monitoring the functioning of anganwadi centers.
3. Street Lighting:
o Installing and maintaining streetlights in the village for
safety and convenience.
4. Registration of Births and Deaths:
o Maintaining an accurate record of all births and deaths in
the Sabha area.
5. Development Works:
o Executing and supervising development projects like
roads, wells, schools, and hospitals.

Discretionary Functions (performed based on need and resources):

1. Agricultural Development:
o Assisting farmers with irrigation, seeds, and fertilizer
supplies.
o Promoting modern farming techniques and sustainable
practices.
2. Education and Libraries:
o Establishing primary schools and community libraries.
 o Promoting literacy programs, especially for women and
marginalized groups.
3. Village Economy:
o Promoting local industries and self-employment
initiatives.
o Setting up cooperatives for dairy, poultry, and other
livelihood options.
4. Community Welfare:
o Organizing fairs, festivals, and cultural events to promote
unity.
o Supporting disaster relief efforts in the event of floods,
droughts, or other calamities.
 Role in Social Justice:
o The Gram Panchayat is also responsible for resolving
minor disputes and maintaining harmony in the village.

11-A. Registration of Cattle and Maintenance of

Record Therefor
 Objective:
o To maintain a proper record of cattle within the Sabha
area for better management and control.
 Key Provisions:
1. Registration Requirement:
 Every household owning cattle (cows, buffaloes,
goats, etc.) must register their livestock with the
Gram Panchayat.
  This applies to both existing and newly acquired
livestock.
2. Details to be Recorded:
 Type and number of cattle owned.
 Breed, age, and other identifying details of the
cattle.
3. Purpose of Record Maintenance:
 Helps in managing cattle health by organizing
vaccination drives and disease control measures.
 Facilitates compensation in case of cattle loss due to
natural disasters or accidents.
 Ensures better planning of grazing resources and
fodder distribution in the village.
4. Fees and Penalty:
 A nominal fee may be charged for registering cattle.
 Failure to register cattle may attract a fine or
penalty.
 Role in Community Development:
o This provision supports rural livelihoods by keeping track
of livestock, which are critical assets for many households
in the village economy.