Gram Sabha — the foundation of village democracy

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment (1992) added Part IX to the Constitution. Article 243A recognises the Gram Sabha and lets each State’s law decide its powers and functions. In Bihar, those powers are set out in the Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, 2006 and its amendments.

The Constitution sets a floor, not a ceiling. Always read the current Bihar law alongside it.

Anyone whose name is on the electoral roll for the Gram Panchayat. There is no application, fee or approval. Women and members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes have exactly the same membership rights; reservation applies to elected seats, not to Gram Sabha membership.

• Identifying beneficiaries for government schemes
• Social audit of Panchayat spending and works
• Discussing the Panchayat’s plans and accounts
• Setting priorities for local development works
• Giving inputs to the village development plan

The exact list depends on State law and government orders — check the current Bihar Act.

Bihar law sets how often the Gram Sabha must meet, who calls a meeting, the quorum, and how much notice members must get. We have not yet had these details checked by a legal reviewer, so we do not state them here — read the Bihar Panchayat Raj Act or ask your Panchayat office.

How often Gram Sabhas actually meet in Bihar, and who attends, is a research question we have not yet studied. See project status

1. To be told in advance when a Gram Sabha meeting will be held.
2. To attend, speak and be heard.
3. To vote on resolutions.
4. To see and question the Panchayat’s accounts, plans and reports placed before the Gram Sabha.
5. To take part in social audits of scheme spending.

This is an educational overview, not legal advice. For a specific problem, read the Bihar Panchayat Raj Act, contact your Panchayat or block office, or an organisation working on Panchayati Raj in your district.

Official text of laws (India Code)

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