Institutional Structure
A Grama Panchayat is the local self-government institution at the village level (Local Self Government Institution – LSGI). It is the lowest tier of the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, strengthened through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.
1. The Council
The Council is the highest institutional body of the Panchayat.
Members:
The Panchayat is divided into several wards, and the Ward Members (Panchayat Members) are representatives directly elected by the people from each ward.
President:
The President and Vice President are elected from among the elected members with the support of the majority.
Reservation:
A specified number of seats in the Council are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women.
Term:
The term of the Council is five years.
2. Standing Committees
Standing Committees are formed to make the Panchayat's activities in various areas more efficient.
Major Standing Committees:
- Development Standing Committee
- Welfare Standing Committee
- Finance Standing Committee
Function:
These committees plan and examine programmes and projects in their respective areas and make recommendations to the Council for approval.
3. Executive Wing
The Executive Wing is responsible for implementing the decisions of the Council and managing the day-to-day administrative affairs of the Panchayat.
Secretary:
The Secretary is the Chief Executive Officer of the Grama Panchayat. The Secretary is responsible for the administration of Panchayat funds and for implementing the decisions of the Council.
Other Staff:
Assistant Secretaries, Clerks, and other technical staff assist the Secretary in carrying out various administrative and technical functions.
4. People's Committees
These are mechanisms that ensure people's participation in development activities.
Gram Sabha:
The Gram Sabha is the most basic and important participatory body consisting of the voters of the Panchayat. Development plans, the budget, and beneficiary lists of the Panchayat are placed before the Gram Sabha for consideration and approval.
Ward Sabha:
The Ward Sabha is a meeting of all voters in a particular ward. It serves as a primary forum for discussing local development issues.
