As the government gives more powers to gram sabhas for village development, the decisions taken in these sabhas regarding the selection of beneficiaries are very important, says DR Patil, vice-chairman of the State Committee for Decentralized Planning and Development. | Photo Credit: PHOTOS FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES
Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Decentralized Planning and Development DR Patil emphasized the need to effectively use the gram sabhas to solve problems at the local level in the villages.
Participating in a meeting on strengthening decentralization and preparing the annual draft plan at the zilla panchayat premises in Chamarajanagar on Friday, Mr. Patil pointed out that every citizen is a member of the gram sabha and residents are well aware of the basic issues related to drinking water, roads, sanitation, housing, electricity and other essential services in their villages.
Therefore, the problems at the local level in the villages under the jurisdiction of each gram panchayat should be solved by making effective use of these gram sabhas, Mr. Patil said.
With the government giving more powers to gram sabhas for village development, the decisions taken in these gram sabhas regarding the selection of beneficiaries were very important, Mr. Patil said, while directing the officials to proactively identify the poor and deprived so that government benefits could reach these parts.
The manual of the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj said officials of various departments and villagers should be involved in planning, monitoring and evaluation of all development programs implemented through gram panchayats and gram sabhas, Mr. Patil said.
The powers given to gram sabhas in rural areas have now been extended to department sabhas in urban areas, he said, while instructing officials of local urban bodies to discuss with the local people and carry out developmental works that benefit all.
Chamarajanagar MLA C. Puttarangashetty, who is also the chairman of Mysore Sales International Ltd., said gram sabhas provide an excellent framework for strengthening gram panchayats.
Although the decisions taken in the gram sabha were very significant and there should be no question of rejecting the beneficiaries selected in the gram sabha, Mr. Puttarangashetty expressed disappointment that the gram sabha meetings were not held regularly.
Development projects should be discussed and approved in gram sabhas, the MLA said while pointing out that panchayat governance will be strengthened if officials, villagers and all stakeholders actively participate in gram sabhas and discuss development matters together.
Mr. Patil was also briefed by officials about programs in agriculture, horticulture, social welfare, health and other departments.
Published – 8 Nov 2025 20:55 IST
