Steering Committee

In the local self-government system of Kerala, the Steering Committee is an important committee that plays a significant role in the day-to-day administrative affairs and decision-making of a Grama Panchayat.

The primary objective of the committee is to coordinate the activities of the various Standing Committees of the Grama Panchayat and to ensure the smooth functioning of the administrative system.

The structure and major responsibilities of the Steering Committee are as follows:

1. Structure of the Committee

The committee consists of the key elected representatives of the Grama Panchayat.

  • Chairman: The Grama Panchayat President is the Chairman of the Steering Committee.
  • Members: The Grama Panchayat Vice President and the Chairpersons of the various Standing Committees, such as the Development Standing Committee, Welfare Standing Committee, and Health & Education Standing Committee, are members of the committee.
  • Secretary: The Panchayat Secretary attends the meetings of the committee and records the decisions taken.

2. Major Responsibilities

  • Coordination: To coordinate the plans and proposals prepared by the various Standing Committees so that they are consistent and do not conflict with one another.
  • Preparation of Agenda: To examine in advance and determine the important matters and agenda items to be discussed at the general meeting of the Grama Panchayat Committee.
  • Emergency Decisions: In urgent situations where it is not possible to convene a general meeting of the Panchayat Committee, the Steering Committee may take temporary decisions, subject to subsequent approval by the general meeting.
  • Resolution of Disputes: To discuss and resolve administrative disputes and issues of confusion arising between different committees or among officials.