INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE

Institutional Structure

Institutional Structure of the Grama Panchayat

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The Grama Panchayat functions to address the basic needs of the people in rural areas and to implement development activities with active public participation. The institutional structure is generally organized as follows.

 

1. Gram Sabha

The Gram Sabha is the basic unit of the Grama Panchayat.

Key Features

  • All voters in each ward are members of the Gram Sabha.
  • The Ward Member serves as the Chairperson of the Gram Sabha.
  • Suggest development projects.
  • Select beneficiaries for various schemes.
  • Conduct social audits of development projects.
  • Discuss the complaints, needs and concerns of the people.

 

2. Panchayat Council

The Panchayat Council is the principal body responsible for the administration and governance of the Grama Panchayat.

Structure

  • President
  • Vice President
  • Ward Members

Responsibilities

  • Approve development projects.
  • Approve the annual budget.
  • Determine and administer local taxes.
  • Ensure the delivery of public services.
  • Coordinate the functioning of various Standing Committees.

 

3. President and Vice President

President

  • Head of the Panchayat administration.
  • Convenes and presides over meetings.
  • Provides administrative supervision.
  • Coordinates with various Government departments.

Vice President

  • Discharges the duties of the President in the absence of the President.
  • Assists in various development activities.

 

4. Standing Committees

Standing Committees function in the Grama Panchayat to deal with various subjects and areas of administration.

Major Standing Committees

  • Finance Standing Committee
  • Development Standing Committee
  • Welfare Standing Committee
  • Health and Education Standing Committee

Responsibilities

  • Examine subject-specific development projects.
  • Prepare reports.
  • Submit recommendations and proposals to the Panchayat Council.

 

5. Secretary and Office System

Secretary

The Secretary is the chief administrative officer of the Grama Panchayat.

Responsibilities

  • Implement the decisions of the Panchayat Council.
  • Manage and supervise the Panchayat office.
  • Maintain official records and documents.
  • Comply with Government directions and instructions.

Office Staff

  • Clerks
  • Accountant
  • Engineering Section
  • Data Entry Operator
  • Other Staff

 

6. Implementing Officers / Technical Sections

Technical personnel and various implementing officers work in the Grama Panchayat for the effective implementation of development projects and programmes.

Examples

  • Assistant Engineer
  • Overseer
  • Health Inspector
  • Agricultural Officer
  • VEO (Village Extension Officer)
  • Haritha Karma Sena
  • MGNREGS Staff

 

7. Sub-Committees and People's Participation Mechanisms

Major Mechanisms

  • Kudumbashree
  • Neighbourhood Groups
  • Beneficiary Committees
  • Development Seminars
  • MGNREGS Workers' Committees

 

Grama Panchayat – Development through People's Participation 

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