CONSTITUTION OF GRAMA PANCHAYATS AND STANDING COMMITTEES

The Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act, 1993

Infrastructure1993389 of 396 articles available19 chapters

This Act establishes the framework for local self-government in rural Karnataka by creating Gram Sabhas and Grama Panchayats. It outlines the structure, election procedures, and term of office for these local bodies, including the election of heads like the Adhyaksha. The legislation grants the Panchayats specific powers and duties to manage local affairs such as sanitation, roads, and public health, while also defining the functions of standing committees. By decentralizing administration, the Act empowers rural communities to participate in governance and address their own developmental needs directly.

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title and commencement.
  2. 2Definitions.
  3. 2ADirective principles of panchayat policy

Chapter II GRAMA SABHA →

  1. 3Units of Gram Swaraj
  2. 3AFunctions and powers of the Habitation sabha
  3. 3BMeetings of Habitation sabha
  4. 3CWard Sabha
  5. 3DMeetings of the Ward Sabha
  6. 3EGram Sabha
  7. 3FDuties of Gram Sabha
  8. 3GMeetings of Gram Sabha
  9. 3HSpecial meeting of the Gram Sabha

Chapter III CONSTITUTION OF GRAMA PANCHAYATS AND STANDING COMMITTEES →

  1. 4Declaration of panchayat area and establishment of Grama Panchayats.
  2. 5Constitution of Grama Panchayat.
  3. 6Incorporation of Grama Panchayat.
  4. 7Method of voting and procedure for election.
  5. 8Appointment of an Administrative Committee or Administrator on failure to elect members of
  6. 9Right to vote.
  7. 10List of voters.
  8. 11Qualification for membership.
  9. 12Disqualification for members.
  10. 13Vacation of seat by members.
  11. 14Prohibition of simultaneous membership.
  12. 15Election petition.
  13. 16Contents of the petition and relief that may be claimed.
  14. 17Trial of election petition.
  15. 18Decision of the Civil Judge (Junior Division).
  16. 19Grounds for declaring election to be void.
  17. 20Grounds on which a candidate other than the returned candidate may be declared to have
  18. 21Procedure in case of equality of votes.
  19. 22Corrupt practices.
  20. 23Order as to corrupt practices.
  21. 24Communication of orders.
  22. 25Fresh election if seat becomes vacant.
  23. 26Prohibition of canvassing in or near polling station.
  24. 27Penalty for disorderly conduct in or near polling stations.
  25. 28Penalty for misconduct at polling station.
  26. 29Maintenance of secrecy of voting.
  27. 30Officer etc., at election not to act for candidate or influence voting.
  28. 31Breaches of official duty in connection with election.
  29. 31AOffence of booth capturing.
  30. 31BPenalty for Government servants for acting as election agent, polling agent or counting
  31. 32Removal of ballot papers from polling stations to be an offence.
  32. 33Other offences and penalties thereof.
  33. 34Promotion of enemity between classes in connection with election.
  34. 35Prohibition of public meetings on the day preceding the election day and on the election day.
  35. 36Power of Deputy Commissioner to prohibit fairs etc., on election day.
  36. 37Disturbance at election meetings.
  37. 38Restrictions on the printing of pamplets, posters, etc.
  38. 39Penalty for illegal hiring or procuring of conveyance at election.
  39. 40Prosecution in certain offences.
  40. 41Term of office.
  41. 42Commencement of term of office.
  42. 43Resignation of a member.
  43. 43BMembers to declare assets and liabilities
  44. 44Election of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha.
  45. 45Procedure for election of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha on the establishment of Grama
  46. 46Term of office and conditions of service of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha.
  47. 47Appointment of Adhyaksha during vacancy in the office.
  48. 48Resignation or removal of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha.
  49. 49Motion of no-confidence against Adhyaksha or Upadhyaksha of Grama Panchayat.
  50. 50Procedure at meetings.
  51. 51Casual Vacancies.
  52. 52Meeting of the Grama Panchayat.
  53. 53Quorum and procedure.
  54. 54Modification or cancellation of resolution.
  55. 55Minutes.
  56. 56Interpellations and resolutions.
  57. 57Validity of proceedings.

Chapter IV FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND POWERS OF GRAMA PANCHAYAT ADHYAKSHA AND UPADHYAKSHA →

  1. 58Functions of Grama Panchayat.
  2. 58ADuties of Grama Panchayat to report regarding Bonded Labour System etc.,
  3. 58BDuty of Gram Panchayat to prevent traditional, social and religious
  4. 58CDuty of Gram Panchayat to prevent sexual harassment of women
  5. 58DDuty to recover possession of encroached property of Gram Panchayat
  6. 58EDuty to maintain hygiene
  7. 58FDangerous quarrying, bore wells, open wells and ponds
  8. 59Assignment of functions.
  9. 60General powers of the Grama Panchayat.
  10. 60AMode of making contracts
  11. 60BCommunity contracts
  12. 61Standing Committees.
  13. 61AOther committees.
  14. 62Omitted.
  15. 63Power of Grama Panchayat as to roads, bridges, etc.
  16. 64Regulation of the erection of buildings.
  17. 65Power of Government to prohibit and regulate the erection of buildings in certain areas
  18. 66Permission for the construction of factories and the instalation of machinery.
  19. 67Prohibition of offensive or dangerous trades without licence.
  20. 68Control of hotels etc.
  21. 69Licensing of shops.
  22. 70Provisions applicable to permissions and licences under sections 66, 67, 68 and 69.
  23. 71Transfer of institutions or works to Grama Panchayats.
  24. 72Obstructions and encroachments upon public streets and open sites.
  25. 73Power to name streets and number buildings.
  26. 74Removal of structures, trees, etc., which are in ruins or likely to fall.
  27. 75Power as to sanitation, conservancy and drainage.
  28. 76Contribution from persons having control over places of pilgrimage, etc,.
  29. 77Power for providing adequate water supply.
  30. 78Power of Grama Panchayat to make bye-laws regarding provisions of water supply.
  31. 79Appointment of Joint Committees.
  32. 80Power of entry.
  33. 81Filthy buildings etc.
  34. 82Powers and duties in regard to sources of water supply.
  35. 83Remedy for non-compliance with directions issued.
  36. 84Power to set apart public springs, etc., for certain purposes.
  37. 85Power to prohibit use of water from certain sources.
  38. 86Penalty for using water for certain purposes.
  39. 87Abatement of nuisance from foul water.
  40. 88Closing of places for the disposal of the dead.
  41. 89Power of entry into building, etc., where infectious disease exists.
  42. 90Disinfection of buildings, etc,.
  43. 91Articles exposed to infection.
  44. 92Registration of burial and burning grounds.
  45. 93Licensing of places for disposal of the dead.
  46. 94A book to be kept of places registered, licensed, or provided.
  47. 95Prohibition against burying or burning, in unauthorised places.
  48. 96Notice of burials, etc., to be given to Grama Panchayat.
  49. 97Public landing places, cart stands, etc.
  50. 98Regulation of huts.
  51. 99Power for making drains.
  52. 100Sufficient drainage of houses.
  53. 101Power of owner or occupier of buildings or lands to drain into Grama Panchayat drains.
  54. 102Rights to carry drain through land or into drain belonging to other persons.
  55. 103Rights of owner of land through which drain is carried in regard to subsequent building
  56. 104Provision of privies, etc.
  57. 105Cost of altering, repairing and keeping in proper order privies ,etc.
  58. 106Inspection of drains, etc.
  59. 107Dangerous querying.
  60. 108Using offensive substance, etc.
  61. 109Emission of smoke.
  62. 110Prohibition of nuisance.
  63. 110ADuties and responsibilities of panchayat members

Chapter V Chapter V →

  1. 111Panchayat Development Officer and other officers.
  2. 112Staffing pattern and schedule of employees.
  3. 113Appointment and control of employees.
  4. 113AArrangements of additional technical staff for Grama Panchayat.

Chapter VI CONVERSION OF SMALLER URBAN AREA OR A TRANSITIONAL AREA AND AMALGAMATION →

  1. 114Interpretation.
  2. 115Effect of conversion of a smaller urban area or a transitional area into panchayat area.
  3. 116Term of office of members of interim Grama Panchayat and their powers.
  4. 117Effect of amalgamation of panchayat areas.
  5. 118Effect of division of panchayat area.

Chapter VII CONSTITUTION OF TALUK PANCHAYAT →

  1. 119Establishment of Taluk Panchayat and its incorporation.
  2. 120Constitution of Taluk Panchayat.
  3. 121Elected members
  4. 122Determination of elected members after each census.
  5. 123Reservation of seats.
  6. 124Delimitation of territorial constituencies.
  7. 125Right to vote.
  8. 126List of voters.
  9. 127Qualifications of a candidate.
  10. 128Disqualification for members.
  11. 129Vacancy of seat.
  12. 131Prohibition of simultaneous membership.
  13. 132Application of certain sections relating to elections.
  14. 133Publication of names of members.
  15. 134Term of office of members.
  16. 135Resignation of members.
  17. 136Removal of members
  18. 136AMembers to declare assets and liabilities
  19. 136BCessation of Membership
  20. 137Casual vacancies how to be filled up.
  21. 138Election of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha and term of office.
  22. 139Salary and allowances to the Adhyaksha, Upadhyaksha and other members.
  23. 140Resignation or removal of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha.
  24. 141Meetings of Taluk Panchayat.
  25. 142Interpellations and resolutions.
  26. 143Taluk Panchayat may require the presence of officers of the Government or of any
  27. 144Validity of proceedings.

Chapter VIII FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND POWERS OF TALUK PANCHAYAT ADHYAKSHA AND UPADHYAKSHA →

  1. 145Functions of Taluk Panchayat.
  2. 145AConsolidation and integration of plans
  3. 145BDangerous quarrying, bore wells, open wells and ponds
  4. 145CBiodiversity, social forestry and ecology
  5. 145DKnowledge management
  6. 146Assignment of functions.
  7. 147General powers of the Taluk Panchayat.
  8. 148Standing Committees.
  9. 149Functions of the standing committees.
  10. 150Procedure of committees.
  11. 151Delegation of powers.
  12. 152Powers and duties of the Adhyaksha.
  13. 153Powers and duties of the Upadhyaksha.
  14. 154Mode of making contracts

Chapter XI STAFF OF TALUK PANCHAYAT →

  1. 155Executive officer and other staff.
  2. 156Functions of the Executive officer and other officers and officials.
  3. 157Executive Officer's right to requisition records, etc,.

Chapter X ZILLA PANCHAYAT →

  1. 158Establishment of Zilla Panchayat and its incorporation.
  2. 159Constitution of Zilla Panchayat.
  3. 160Elected members.
  4. 161Determination of elected members after census.
  5. 162Reservation of seats.
  6. 163Delimitation of territorial constituencies.
  7. 164Right to vote.
  8. 165Electoral roll.
  9. 166Qualification of a candidate.
  10. 167Disqualification for members.
  11. 168Vacancy of seat .
  12. 169Method of voting and procedure for election.
  13. 170Prohibition of simultaneous membership.
  14. 171Application of certain sections relating to elections.
  15. 172Publication of names of members.
  16. 173Term of office of members.
  17. 174Resignation of members.
  18. 175Removal of members
  19. 175AMembers to declare assets and liabilities
  20. 175BCessation of Membership
  21. 176Casual vacancy.
  22. 177Election of Adhyaksha, Upadhyaksha and term of office.
  23. 178Salary and allowances to the Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha and other members.
  24. 179Resignation or removal of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha.
  25. 180Meetings of Zilla Panchayat.
  26. 181Interpellations and resolutions.
  27. 182Zilla Panchayat may require the presence of officers of the Government or of any
  28. 183Validity of proceedings.

Chapter XI FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND POWERS OF ZILLA PANCHAYAT, ADHYAKSHA AND UPADHYAKSHA →

  1. 184Functions of Zilla Panchayat.
  2. 185Assignment of functions.
  3. 186Standing committees.
  4. 187Functions of the standing committees.
  5. 188Procedure of committees.
  6. 189Delegation of powers.
  7. 190Power to divert, discontinue or close road.
  8. 191General powers of Zilla Panchayat.
  9. 192Control of unwieldy traffic.
  10. 193Powers and duties of the Adhyaksha.
  11. 194Powers and duties of the Upadhyaksha.
  12. 195Mode of making contracts.

Chapter XII STAFF OF ZILLA PANCHAYAT →

  1. 196Chief Executive Officer and other officers.
  2. 197Functions, powers and duties of the Chief Executive Officer and other officers.
  3. 198Chief Executive Officer's right to requisition records, etc,.

Chapter XIII TAXES AND FEES →

  1. 199Levy of taxes, rates, etc., by Grama Panchayats.
  2. 199ARevision of taxes and rates
  3. 199BIssuing new Khata or PID to the properties
  4. 199CTaxes on building and unconverted land or converted land but unapproved layout in a
  5. 200Recovery of taxes and other dues.
  6. 201Appeal against assessment, etc.
  7. 202Composition of taxes in factory areas.
  8. 203Agency for collection.

Chapter XIV LEVY OF CESSES ETC. AND GRANT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY GOVERNMENT →

  1. 204Levy of local cess etc,.
  2. 205Duty on transfer of immoveable properties.
  3. 206Grant to Grama Panchayats.
  4. 207Establishment grant to Taluk Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats.
  5. 208Discretionary grant.

Chapter XV PROPERTIES AND FUNDS OF PANCHAYATS →

  1. 209Grama Panchayat may acquire, hold and dispose off property etc,.
  2. 210Vesting of property in Grama Panchayat.
  3. 211Decision of claims to property by or against Grama Panchayat.
  4. 212Grama Panchayat Fund.
  5. 213Application of Grama Panchayat Fund and property.
  6. 214Grama Panchayat may raise loans and form a sinking fund.
  7. 215Taluk Panchayat may acquire, hold and dispose off property etc,.
  8. 216Vesting of property in Taluk Panchayat.
  9. 217Decision of claims to property by or against Taluk Panchayat.
  10. 218Taluk Panchayat Fund.
  11. 219Application of Taluk Panchayat Fund and property.
  12. 220Taluk Panchayat may raise loans and form a sinking fund.
  13. 221Rents and fees.
  14. 222Zilla Panchayat may acquire, hold and dispose off property etc.
  15. 223Vesting of property in Zilla Panchayat.
  16. 224Decision of claims to property by or against Zilla Panchayat.
  17. 225Zilla Panchayat Fund.
  18. 226Custody and investment of Zilla Panchayat Fund.
  19. 227Application of Zilla Panchayat Fund and property.
  20. 228Rents and fees.
  21. 229Zilla Panchayat may raise loans and form a sinking fund.
  22. 230Prohibition of expenditure not covered by the budget.
  23. 231Government may place roads and other property under Zilla Panchayat.

Chapter XVI Chapter XVI →

  1. 232Power of inspection and supervision.
  2. 232AConstitution of Commissionerrate of Panchayat Raj
  3. 233Technical supervision and inspections.
  4. 234Government and Chief Executive Officer's powers in respect of Grama Panchayat, Taluk
  5. 235Power of Government, Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat to provide for performance of
  6. 236Inquiry into affairs of Grama Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat by the
  7. 237Power of suspending execution of unlawful orders or resolution.
  8. 238Purchase of stores and equipments.
  9. 239Power to appoint Administrator in certain cases.
  10. 240Government's power to specify the role of Panchayats.

Chapter XVII FINANCIAL CONTROL AND AUDIT →

  1. 241Presentation of accounts and budget of Grama Panchayat.
  2. 242Revision of budget.
  3. 243Maintenance of accounts and restriction of expenditure.
  4. 244Transmission of accounts.
  5. 245Power to write off irrecoverable amounts.
  6. 246Audit of accounts.
  7. 247Presentation of accounts and budget of Taluk Panchayat.
  8. 248Revision of budget.
  9. 249Supplementary budget.
  10. 250Maintenance of accounts and restriction of expenditure.
  11. 251Transmission of accounts.
  12. 252Power to write off irrecoverable sums.
  13. 253Audit of accounts.
  14. 254Action by Taluk Panchayat on audit report.
  15. 255Recovery of amounts disallowed.
  16. 256Presentation of accounts and budget of Zilla Panchayat.
  17. 257Revision of budget.
  18. 258Supplementary budget.
  19. 259Maintenance of accounts and restriction of expenditure.
  20. 260Transmission of accounts.
  21. 261Power to write off irrecoverable sums.
  22. 262Audit of accounts.
  23. 263Action by Zilla Panchayat on audit report.
  24. 264Recovery of amounts disallowed.
  25. 265Procedure for recovery of dues of Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat.
  26. 266Conditions of distraint and sale.
  27. 267Finance Commission.

Chapter XVIII MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 268Dissolution of panchayats.
  2. 269Appeals.
  3. 270Power over decisions of committees.
  4. 271Requisitioning of premises, vehicles, etc. for election purpose.
  5. 272Payment of compensation.
  6. 273Power to obtaining information.
  7. 274Power of entry into and inspection of premises ,etc,.
  8. 275Eviction from requisitioned premises.
  9. 276Release of premises from requisitioning.
  10. 277Penalty for contravention of any order regarding requisition.
  11. 278Penalty for acting as a member, Adhyaksha or Upadhyaksha when disqualified.
  12. 279Penalty for interested member voting.
  13. 280Penalty for acquisition by officer or servant of interest in contract.
  14. 281Wrongful obstruction of certain officers.
  15. 282Prohibition against obstruction of Adhyaksha or Upadhyaksha, etc.
  16. 283Prohibition against removal or obliteration of notice.
  17. 284Penalty for not giving information or giving false information.
  18. 285Bidding prohibited.
  19. 286Application of the term " Public Servant" to members of panchayats and their officers and
  20. 287Fines to be credited to the Panchayat Fund.
  21. 288Damage to any property of panchayats and how made good.
  22. 289Restrictions with respect to institution of suit against a panchayat.
  23. 290Government not to obtain licences and permissions.
  24. 291Injunctions not to be granted in election proceedings.
  25. 292Punishment for disobedience of orders and notices not punishable under any other section.
  26. 293In default of owner or occupier, panchayat may execute works and recover expenses.
  27. 294Expenses or costs how determined and recovered.
  28. 295Bar of suits, etc.
  29. 296Jurisdiction of Magistrate.
  30. 296AGrievance Redressal Authority
  31. 296BPowers and functions of the Grievance Redressal Authority
  32. 296CAppeal
  33. 296DTerm of office of the Grievance Redressal Authority
  34. 296EResignation and removal
  35. 296FProcedures before the Grievance Redressal Authority
  36. 296GMatters not subject to investigation
  37. 296HTransfer of pending cases
  38. 296IAction taken report
  39. 297Alternative procedure by suit.
  40. 298Punishment for offences under this Act and powers to compound.
  41. 299Powers of police officers.
  42. 300Annual administration report.
  43. 301Adjustment of Government dues, etc.
  44. 302Consequences of absorption of part of Panchayat area or on an area within the limits of the
  45. 302AConstitution of new district or taluk by altering limits of the existing district and taluks.
  46. 302BConsequences of absorption of part of a Panchayat area or any area within the limits of a
  47. 303Transfer of property may be subject to conditions.
  48. 304Saving of acts and proceedings.
  49. 305Procedure for consultation.
  50. 306Method of serving notices, etc.
  51. 307Official display of flag.
  52. 308State Election Commission.
  53. 308AStaff of certain authorities to be made available for election work
  54. 308BLodging of Account with the Returning Officer.
  55. 308CFailure to lodge on account of election expenses.
  56. 308DReturning officer et. deemed to be on deputation to State Election Commission.
  57. 308AASchedule of elections
  58. 308ABNotification of dates for nominations etc
  59. 308ACPrevention of corrupt practices during elections
  60. 309Preparation of development plan.
  61. 309ADecentralized planning for panchayats
  62. 309BVision Plan
  63. 309CTaluk Panchayat plan
  64. 309DTaluk planning and development committee
  65. 309EThe process of planning and development
  66. 309FZilla Panchayat Plan
  67. 309GDistrict development plan
  68. 309HAction taken report
  69. 310District Planning Committee.
  70. 310AState Panchayat Council.
  71. 310BKarnataka state decentralised planning and development Committee

Chapter XIX RULES, REGULATIONS AND BYE-LAWS →

  1. 311Power of Government to make rules.
  2. 312Amendment of Schedules I, II and III.
  3. 313Power of Zilla Panchayat to make regulations.
  4. 314Power of Taluk Panchayat to make regulations.
  5. 315Power of Gram Panchayat to make bye-laws
  6. 315APower of Government to cancel or modify bye-laws of Gram
  7. 316Power of Government to make model regulations and bye-laws and adoption of such
  8. 317Power of Government to adapt laws.
  9. 318Repeal and savings.
  10. 319Orders bringing this Act into force.
  11. 320Rules and orders to be laid before the Houses of the State legislature.
  12. 321Removal of difficulties.

Some statutory text is still being prepared for this language version.

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