Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is an important committee in the local self-government system of Kerala Local Self Government Department. It plays a key role in the day-to-day administration and decision-making of a Gram Panchayat.
The main purpose of the committee is to coordinate the activities of the various Standing Committees and ensure the smooth functioning of the Panchayat administration.
Structure of the Steering Committee
The committee consists of the key elected representatives of the Panchayat.
- Chairperson: The President of the Gram Panchayat serves as the Chairperson of the committee.
- Members: The Vice President and the Chairpersons of various Standing Committees (such as Development, Welfare, Health and Education, etc.) are members.
- Secretary: The Panchayat Secretary participates in the meetings and records the decisions and proceedings.
Major Responsibilities
1. Coordination
Coordinate the plans and proposals prepared by different Standing Committees to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth implementation.
2. Agenda Preparation
Examine and finalize the important matters and agenda items to be discussed in the general meeting of the Panchayat Committee.
3. Emergency Decisions
Take temporary decisions in urgent situations when the general body meeting of the Panchayat Committee cannot be convened. Such decisions must later be approved by the general body.
4. Conflict Resolution
Discuss and resolve administrative disputes or confusion arising between different committees or officials.
In Short
The Steering Committee functions like the “Cabinet” of the Gram Panchayat, providing leadership, coordination, and administrative control over Panchayat activities.