Which amongst the following are the functions of 'Gram Sabha'? a.To review the annual accounts of Panchayat b.To approve the plans and programmes for socio-economic development c.Identification of persons as beneficiaries under the poverty alleviation programme d.Exercise social audit

Question

Which amongst the following are the functions of 'Gram Sabha'?  a.To review the annual accounts of Panchayat b.To approve the plans and programmes for socio-economic development  c.Identification of persons as beneficiaries under the poverty alleviation programme d.Exercise social audit

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The Gram Sabha is the foundational body of the Panchayati Raj System, mandated by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in India. It consists of all registered voters residing within the area of the Panchayat. The Gram Sabha acts as the general body that supervises and provides accountability to the Gram Panchayat. Its functions are comprehensive, making all the listed points correct. Specifically, the Gram Sabha is responsible for reviewing the annual accounts (a) to ensure financial transparency. It must approve all plans and programs for socio-economic development (b) before they are implemented by the Gram Panchayat. Crucially, it identifies and verifies beneficiaries (c) for various government schemes, especially those focused on poverty alleviation, to prevent corruption. Finally, it exercises the power of social audit (d), which is essential for ensuring transparency and responsiveness in the functioning of the Panchayat. Since all four listed activities are legally mandated functions of the Gram Sabha, "All of the above" is the correct answer.

The incorrect option is 1:
Option 1, "a & b," is incorrect because while reviewing accounts (a) and approving plans (b) are important functions, they exclude the critical roles of beneficiary identification (c) and social audit (d). A Gram Sabha that only performed (a) and (b) would lack the necessary oversight and participatory role required by law.

The incorrect option is 2:
Option 2, "c & d," is incorrect because it focuses solely on the accountability and transparency functions (beneficiary identification and social audit) while omitting the fundamental financial and planning functions. Without reviewing accounts (a) and approving development plans (b), the Gram Sabha's oversight power (c and d) would be ineffective, as it wouldn't be involved in the initial stages of resource allocation and planning.

The incorrect option is 3:
Option 3, "a, b & c," is incorrect because it excludes the function of "Exercise social audit" (d). Social audit is one of the most powerful tools available to the Gram Sabha to enforce accountability and transparency. Excluding this crucial power means this option does not fully represent the complete set of mandated functions.