Why in the News?

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing special Gram Sabhas across 750 Gram Panchayats on 2nd October 2024, marking Gandhi Jayanti.

Vision to Achieve Gram Swaraj Through People’s Participation

These special Gram Sabhas will embody Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj—a vision of self-reliant villages driven by people’s participation in decision-making.
It emphasizes community-led governance, where elders, women, and youth collaborate to develop Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDP).

The event also coincides with the birth anniversary of Lal Bahadur Shastri, India’s second Prime Minister.
Shastri championed the values of simplicity, self-reliance, and community development.
Shastri’s slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” emphasized the strength of India’s rural economy and its farmers, making his vision a key component of this grassroots initiative.

	Details
Role and Significance	• Centerpiece of the Panchayati Raj system • Responsible for village development and local governance
Constitutional Provision	• Defined under Article 243(b) of the Indian Constitution • Primary body in the Panchayati Raj system • A permanent body
Members	• Individuals above 18 years of age • Must be residing in the village • Listed in the electoral rolls
Meetings	• Must meet 2 to 4 times annually as per State Panchayat Raj Acts • Common meeting dates: 1. Republic Day (26th Jan) 2. Labour Day (1st May) 3. Independence Day (15th Aug) 4. Gandhi Jayanti (2nd Oct) • Panchayats may choose other dates for meetings
Organizing Body	• Organized by the Panchayat Secretary (Gram Sevak) • Done with approval of the Sarpanch
Conditions for Convening	• 10% of members or 50 people (whichever is greater) can request a meeting • A written request must be submitted 5 days prior to the meeting
Decision-Making Process	• All decisions of the Panchayat require the approval and validation of the Gram Sabha
Purpose	• Discuss local governance and development issues • Make need-based plans for the village

[2012] In the areas covered under the Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, what is the role/power of Gram Sabha?

Gram Sabha has the power to prevent alienation of land in the Scheduled Areas.
Gram Sabha has the ownership of minor forest produce.
Recommendation of Gram Sabha is required for granting prospecting licence or mining lease for any mineral in the Scheduled Areas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3