To hold the Gram Panchayat accountable and approve its plans
Explanation
Under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, the Gram Sabha is the foundation of the Panchayati Raj System. It comprises all persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village within the Panchayat area. It functions as a direct democratic body, acting as the legislative wing while the Gram Panchayat acts as the executive wing.Detailed Analysis:
- Accountability and Approval: The Gram Sabha is empowered to supervise the functioning of the Gram Panchayat. Its primary roles include approving the annual budget, reviewing development plans, and conducting social audits of the schemes implemented by the Panchayat. This ensures the Panchayat remains accountable to the people.
- Implementation vs. Supervision: To implement the decisions of the Gram Panchayat is incorrect because the implementation of decisions and schemes is the function of the Gram Panchayat (the executive body), not the Gram Sabha.
- Election vs. Appointment: To appoint the members of the Gram Panchayat is incorrect because members of the Gram Panchayat are elected directly by the registered voters through secret ballot, not appointed by the Gram Sabha.
- Statutory Status: To act as an advisory body with no statutory powers is incorrect because the Gram Sabha is a constitutional body with specific statutory powers defined by State Legislatures in accordance with the 73rd Amendment; it is not merely an advisory body.
Key Takeaway: The Gram Sabha acts as a watchdog over the Gram Panchayat, ensuring transparency and accountability by approving plans and reviewing the performance of elected representatives.