Grama Panchayat Structure

 

GRAMА PANCHAYAT STRUCTURE

KERALA GRAMA PANCHAYAT STRUCTURE

Comprehensive Overview of Local Self-Government Administration and Hierarchy

1

Gramasabha (Ward Assembly)

Foundation of the Panchayat – The Voters

  • Comprises all registered voters within a specific ward.
  • Must convene at least 4 times a year.
  • Empowered to discuss development schemes and select genuine beneficiaries for welfare programs.
2

Grama Panchayat Wards

Election of People's Representatives

  • Depending on population size, every panchayat is divided into 13 to 23 wards.
  • One ward member is directly elected by the public from each ward through voting.
  • 50% of the total seats are reserved for women.
3

Governing Body

President & Vice-President

President

  • Administrative head of the Panchayat.
  • Elected by the ward members from among themselves through a secret ballot.

Vice-President

  • Performs duties and exercises powers in the absence of the President.
4

Standing Committees

Various committees operate to ensure smooth execution of Panchayat activities

Finance Standing Committee
Development Standing Committee
Welfare Standing Committee
Health and Education Standing Committee
5

Official Wing

Panchayat Secretary

Panchayat Secretary
  • The Secretary is the official head and Chief Executive Officer of the Grama Panchayat.
  • An officer directly appointed by the Government.
  • Responsibilities include legally implementing decisions of the governing body and managing funds.
6

Other Staff Members

Office staff assisting the Secretary

Assistant Secretary & Superintendent
Head Clerk, Clerks
Krishi Bhavan
Village Extension Officer
Engineering Wing
7

Constitutional Background & Additional Administrative Powers

Key administrative and statutory details

  • Constitutional Framework: Strong Panchayat Raj system in Kerala came into effect through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992, followed by the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act in 1994.
  • President's Authority: Executive powers of the Panchayat governing body are vested in the President, who also maintains general administrative control and supervision over Panchayat office staff.
  • Secretary's Responsibilities: Preparing the annual budget under the Secretary's leadership, maintaining minutes of governing body meetings, and executing resolutions.
Key Principle:
The Grama Panchayat functions through the combined participation of the Gramasabha, elected representatives, standing committees and the official administrative wing.

ADMINISTRATIVE FLOW

Gramasabha
→
Ward Members
→
President &
Vice-President
→
Standing
Committees
→
Secretary &
Official Staff
→
Local Development
& Welfare Activities

Kerala Grama Panchayat Structure | Local Self-Government Administration