Concept2 stories
Gram sabha
In one line: The gram sabha is the body of all registered voters in a village panchayat area.
Role
Approves plans, selects beneficiaries and conducts social audits.
Under PESA
It has stronger powers over land, resources and customs.
Where to go next
- Funds, functions and functionaries: What real devolution needs
On the reference shelf
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks Discuss how the contradiction between 'rapid infrastructure development' and 'disaster-risk reduction' in ecologically-sensitive areas of India can be managed, with suitable examples.
- 2025 · GS3 · 15 marks Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the…
- 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks To what extent, in your opinion, has the decentralisation of power in India changed the governance landscape at the grassroots?
- 2021 · GS1 · 10 marks Differentiate the causes of landslides in the Himalayan region and Western Ghats.
- 2020 · GS2 · 15 marks The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of 'Functions, Functionaries and Funds' to the contemporary stage of 'Functionality'. Highlight the…
- 2018 · GS2 · 15 marks Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?
- 2017 · GS2 · 10 marks "The local self-government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance." Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation.
- 2015 · GS2 · 12.5 marks In the absence of well-educated and organised local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically…
- 2013 · GS1 · 5 marks Bring out the causes for more frequent landslides in the Himalayas than in Western Ghats.
- 2016 · Prelims 'Gadgil Committee Report' and 'Kasturirangan Committee Report', sometimes seen in the news, are related to (a) constitutional reforms (b) Ganga Action Plan (c) linking of rivers (d) protection of…