What is the role of the Gram Panchayat in the Employment Guarantee Programme?
The Gram Panchayat is the main institution responsible for the implementation of the Programme at the local level. To start with, the Gram Panchayat will be responsible for registering all potential workers, issuing job cards to them, receiving their applications for work, forwarding these to the Block Officer, and informing the applicants as and when work is available. The Gram Panchayat also plays a crucial role in the implementation of projects taken up under the Programme. The draft Act states that at least half of all project funds will be allocated to the Gram Panchayats. In such cases, the Gram Panchayat will be required to plan and execute the works in a transparent manner, with accountability to the Gram Sabha and Block Officer. In the case of works carried out by Departments within the geographical area of a particular panchayat, the Gram Panchayat will provide the labour from amongst its applicants and help to ensure that the works are carried out in a fair and transparent m
