Working group

Working Groups in Grama Panchayats

Working Groups, also known as Expert Groups, are committees constituted in Local Self-Government Institutions (Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats) as part of the People’s Planning Process for the preparation of Annual Development Plans.

The objective is to ensure that development plans of the Panchayat are not prepared merely within an office setting, but are formulated in a scientific and participatory manner by involving experts and elected representatives from different sectors.

The major information regarding Working Groups is given below:

1. Structure of Working Groups

Separate Working Groups are constituted for each development sector. A Working Group generally consists of the following members:

  • Chairperson: An elected representative designated by the Panchayat Committee.
  • Convenor: The concerned official of the Panchayat associated with the respective sector. For example, in the case of an Agriculture Working Group, the Agriculture Officer would normally serve as the Convenor.
  • Members: Experts in the respective field, retired officials, volunteers, and representatives of beneficiaries.

2. Major Working Groups

In Grama Panchayats, separate Working Groups are generally constituted for areas such as:

  • Agriculture and Allied Sectors – Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Fisheries, etc.
  • Local Economic Development – Industry, Employment, Tourism, etc.
  • Poverty Alleviation
  • Social Justice and Women’s Development – Welfare of SC/ST communities, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
  • Housing
  • Public Health, Sanitation and Drinking Water
  • Education, Arts, Culture and Youth Welfare
  • Physical Development – Roads, Bridges, Buildings, etc.
  • Environment and Climate Change

3. Major Responsibilities of Working Groups

  • Preparation of Development Documents: Consolidate the needs, requirements, and suggestions emerging from Grama Sabhas and Ward Sabhas.
  • Project Formulation: Taking into consideration the available Plan Fund, formulate practical and viable projects in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
  • Technical Support: Provide the Panchayat governing body with the necessary technical advice and support from the planning stage through the implementation of projects.
  • Prioritisation: Assist the Panchayat in identifying and prioritising projects based on their relative importance and developmental needs.