Centre asks states to make gram sabhas more vibrant
Press Trust of India / New Delhi Oct 20, 2009, 10:01 IST
The Centre has asked the state governments to clearly articulate the role of gram sabhas in their policies, programmes and schemes to make them vibrant forums for rural development.
The states should clearly define the role and responsibilities of 'sarpanches' and 'panchs' of the gram sabhas who should "represent the voice of people and not be rendered as mere functionaries of the administration," it said.
The Centre also asked the states to define the role of gram sabha secretaries and duly protect them from "local pressures".
"Gram Sabhas should fully participate in planning, implementation and performance review of various rural development schemes," the Ministry of Panchayati Raj said in an advisory to all state governments.
The ministry also asked the states to enhance the scope of the deliberations in the Gram Sabha meetings by including topics which are more interesting and meaningful.
Gram Sabhas can discuss issues like Millennium Development Goals, social security, gender justice, female foeticide, substance abuse, nutrition, diversification of agriculture, opportunities for improving income, sustainable and infrastructure development, the ministry suggested.
"Gram Sabhas can be an effective forum for information sharing on programmes, schemes, good practices and matters of common interest for which assistance from the State and Centre is available through different policies and programmes," it added.
Content Guide
