Steering Committee

In Kerala's local self-government system, the Steering Committee plays a pivotal role in the day-to-day administration and decision-making processes of the Grama Panchayat.

The primary objective of this committee is to coordinate the activities of the various standing committees within the Grama Panchayat and ensure the smooth functioning of the administrative system.

1. The structure and key responsibilities of the Steering Committee are as follows:

  • Structure:      This committee comprises the most important elected representatives of the Panchayat.
  • Chairperson: The Grama Panchayat President serves as the Chairperson of this committee.

Members: The Grama Panchayat Vice-President and the Chairpersons of the various standing committees (such as Development, Welfare, and Health & Education) serve as members.

  • Secretary: The Panchayat Secretary attends the committee meetings and records the decisions taken.

2. Key Responsibilities

Coordination: Coordinating the plans and proposals prepared by the various standing committees to ensure they do not conflict with one another.

Agenda Preparation: Reviewing and finalizing the key issues and agenda items to be discussed at the general meeting of the Grama Panchayat governing body (Panchayat Committee). Urgent Decisions: Making interim decisions in urgent situations where the Panchayat committee cannot convene a general meeting (these must subsequently be ratified by the general meeting).

Dispute Resolution: Discussing and resolving administrative disputes and confusions arising between various committees or officials.

In short, the Steering Committee is a high-level body that functions like the 'Cabinet' of the Grama Panchayat.