Gramasabha/Ward Sabha

               Gramasabha is the most fundamental democratic forum of the Grama Panchayat in Kerala's Panchayat Raj system. A Gramasabha consists of all voters listed in the electoral roll of each respective ward in a Grama Panchayat.

Key Information

  • Convenor: The respective ward member serves as the Convenor of the Gramasabha.
  • Chairperson: The Grama Panchayat President presides over Gramasabha meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President presides; if both are absent, the Convenor takes charge.
  • Quorum: The quorum for a Gramasabha is 10% of the total voters. However, if a meeting is adjourned due to lack of quorum and reconvened, the required quorum is reduced to 50 members.
  • Special Meeting: A special Gramasabha meeting must be convened within 15 days if at least 10% of the ward's voters submit a written request.

Powers and Responsibilities

  • Project Planning: Formulate proposals for local development projects and determine their priority.
  • Public Amenities: Recommend locations for street lights, public water taps, and sanitation facilities.
  • Transparency & Auditing: Right to know estimates and expenditure details of projects executed by the Panchayat, as well as to inspect and evaluate them.
  • Questions & Resolutions: Members have the right to submit written questions and suggestions, and to pass resolutions on ward development matters by a majority vote.

Oorukoottam

Oorukoottam is a specialized basic grass-roots governance body equivalent to a Gramasabha, operating specifically in Scheduled Tribe (tribal) concentrated areas of Kerala. It is designed to ensure the development, rights protection, and cultural preservation of tribal communities.

Key Information

  • Membership: All registered voters aged 18 and above residing in a tribal settlement/colony are members of the Oorukoottam.
  • Convenor: The respective ward Panchayat Member or an elected representative of the Oorukoottam serves as the Convenor. The ward ST Promoter actively assists in organizing the meetings.
  • Chairperson: The Oorumoopan/Oorumoopathi (Tribal Chieftain) or a person selected by the Oorukoottam presides over the meeting.
  • Quorum: A majority of the households in the settlement must participate in the meeting (ensuring proper representation of women in particular).

Powers and Key Responsibilities

  • Settlement Development Plans: Directly plan development projects such as drinking water, housing, roads, sanitation, and education for tribal areas.
  • Beneficiary Selection: Transparently select deserving individuals or families eligible for government welfare schemes and benefits.
  • Culture & Rights Protection: Make decisions to protect traditional tribal customs, language, land, and forest rights.
  • Forest Rights Act (FRA): Holds the primary authority to verify and approve claims over traditional forest lands and forest resources under the Forest Rights Act.
  • Priority in Panchayat Projects: Development plans approved and submitted by the Oorukoottam must be prioritized and implemented by the Grama Panchayat and the Scheduled Tribes Development Department.