Working Group

Working Groups (also known as Expert Committees) are committees formed in the local self-government institutions of Kerala Local Self Government Department — such as Gram Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats — as part of the People’s Planning Process for preparing annual development plans.

The objective of these groups is to prepare development projects scientifically by involving experts, officials, elected representatives, and local stakeholders instead of preparing plans only through internal administrative discussions.

1. Structure of Working Groups

Separate Working Groups are formed for each development sector. A typical Working Group consists of:

  • Chairperson: An elected representative nominated by the Panchayat Committee.
  • Convenor: The concerned government officer related to that sector.
    (For example, the Agricultural Officer acts as the Convenor of the Agriculture Working Group.)
  • Members: Subject experts, retired officials, volunteers, beneficiary representatives, and other resource persons related to the sector.

2. Major Working Groups

In Panchayats, separate Working Groups are generally formed for the following sectors:

  • General Administration and Finance
  • Agriculture, Employment Guarantee Scheme, Soil and Water Conservation, Environmental Protection
  • Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development
  • Local Economic Development and Cooperation
  • Poverty Alleviation (including Housing)
  • Social Justice (Differently Abled Persons, Children, etc.)
  • Women Development
  • Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe Development
  • Health
  • Drinking Water and Sanitation
  • Education, Arts & Culture, Youth Affairs
  • Public Works (including Electricity and Energy)
  • Climate Change, Environmental Protection, and Disaster Management

3. Main Responsibilities of Working Groups

Development Report Preparation

Compile the needs, suggestions, and demands raised in Gram Sabhas and Ward Sabhas.

Project Formulation

Prepare practical and feasible development projects according to government guidelines, considering the available Plan Fund.

Technical Assistance

Provide technical guidance and expert support to the Panchayat in planning and implementing projects.

Priority Fixing

Help the Panchayat determine which projects should be given higher priority based on local needs and available resources.