The Gram Sabha is a key component of the Panchayati Raj system in India, which is the decentralisation of governance at the grassroots level.

Definition: The Gram Sabha comprises all the registered voters residing within the area of a Gram Panchayat. It is the most basic unit of democratic decision-making in the village or a group of villages.

Function: The primary function of the Gram Sabha is to serve as a platform for discussions on various community matters, including the budget, development projects, and other issues. It’s a forum where the general public can directly question and hold accountable the elected representatives of the Gram Panchayat.

Role In Governance: The Gram Sabha plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability. For example, before the Gram Panchayat undertakes any development project, the plan must be placed before the Gram Sabha for its approval.

Meetings: The Gram Sabha meetings are typically held a few times a year, with mandatory meetings on specific occasions like Republic Day or Independence Day. The frequency might vary depending on state-specific Panchayati Raj regulations.

The Gram Sabha is a key element of local self-governance in India. It’s essentially a gathering where adults who are at least 18 years old and have voting rights come together. This assembly includes everyone from a Panchayat area, which might be a single village or a group of nearby villages

In the structure of the Gram Sabha, there are smaller subdivisions known as wards. Each ward elects a representative known as a Ward Member, or Panch. These Ward Members make up part of the village council, but there’s also a head of this council known as the Sarpanch, who is the President of the Panchayat. Together, the Sarpanch and the Panchs form the Gram Panchayat.