Gram Sabha under Part IX

The Gram Sabha is the village-level assembly of all persons registered as voters in the relevant village. Under Part IX, it is a constitutionally recognised body through which the village electorate may directly participate in local self-government.

Constitutional basis

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force in 1993, inserted Part IX on Panchayats. Article 243(b) defines the Gram Sabha, while Article 243A authorises it to exercise powers and perform functions at the village level as prescribed by state law.

• Its membership comprises all persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the area of a village-level Panchayat.
• It is therefore a constitutional body based on voter membership, not a body separately elected or nominated.

Nature of its constitutional status

The Gram Sabha embodies direct democracy, whereas the Panchayat is a representative institution of rural local self-government. However, the Constitution does not itself confer a uniform set of operational powers on every Gram Sabha.

• Its actual powers, meeting procedures, quorum and responsibilities are determined by state legislation.
• State laws may assign it functions such as considering local plans, reviewing Panchayat work and identifying beneficiaries of welfare programmes.
• Its effectiveness consequently depends on meaningful legal devolution, regular meetings and participation by women and vulnerable groups.

Position in Scheduled Areas

Under Article 243M, Part IX did not originally apply automatically to Scheduled Areas. Parliament extended its provisions to these areas through the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, subject to special safeguards.

• In Scheduled Areas, the law gives the Gram Sabha important roles in safeguarding traditions, cultural identity, community resources and customary dispute-resolution practices.
• It also provides for Gram Sabha involvement in approving village-level development plans and identifying beneficiaries.