In which of the following circumstances, a special meeting of the Gram Sabha may be convened under Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Modification of Provisions in their Application to the Scheduled Area) Rules, 2011?

Correct option is A

Ans. (a) On the basis of the written information given to the secretary by at least 5 percent of total members of Gram Sabha or 25 members, whichever is more.
Explanation
According to the Rajasthan Panchayati Raj (Modification of Provisions in their Application to the Scheduled Area) Rules, 2011, a special meeting of the Gram Sabha can be convened if written information is provided to the Secretary by at least 5 percent of the total members of the Gram Sabha or 25 members, whichever is more. This provision ensures that critical issues requiring urgent attention can be addressed in a timely manner.
Information Booster
1. Gram Sabha is a statutory body under the Panchayati Raj system.
2. The rules of Scheduled Areas are modified to cater to the unique socio-economic conditions of tribal populations.
3. A special Gram Sabha can be convened for issues like community resource management, auditing of Panchayat accounts, etc.
4. The quorum for Gram Sabha meetings varies across states but is generally higher in Scheduled Areas.
5. Decisions in the Gram Sabha are taken by consensus or majority vote.
6. Scheduled Areas enjoy special provisions under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution to protect tribal interests.
Additional Knowledge
· 5% of total members or 25 members: Ensures sufficient representation and avoids unnecessary meetings.
· 10% quorum in regular Gram Sabha meetings: Reflects a higher threshold to ensure genuine participation.
· Panchayati Raj Act, 1994: Forms the basis of local governance in India, with specific modifications for Scheduled Areas under PESA.
· Scheduled Areas: These are notified areas under Article 244 of the Constitution where tribal communities predominantly reside.
Key Points
· Gram Sabha plays a pivotal role in decision-making at the village level.
· The Scheduled Area Rules prioritize decentralization and empowerment of tribal communities.
· Rajasthan adopted the Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas Act (PESA) in 1999 to strengthen tribal governance.