Stearing Committee
Steering Committee
In the local self-government system of Kerala, the Steering Committee is a committee that plays a significant role in the day-to-day administration and decision-making of the Grama Panchayat.
The main objective of the committee is to coordinate the activities of various Standing Committees of the Grama Panchayat and to ensure the smooth functioning of the administrative system.
The structure and major responsibilities of the Steering Committee are given below:
1. Structure of the Committee
The committee consists of the key elected representatives of the Panchayat.
Chairperson: The Grama Panchayat President is the Chairperson of the committee.
Members: The Grama Panchayat Vice-President and the Chairpersons of various Standing Committees, such as Development Affairs, Welfare Affairs, and Health & Education, are members of the committee.
Secretary: The Panchayat Secretary attends the meetings of the committee and records the decisions taken.
2. Major Responsibilities
Coordination: Coordinate the plans and proposals prepared by various Standing Committees so that they are consistent with each other and do not conflict.
Agenda Preparation: Examine and determine in advance the important matters and agenda items to be discussed in the general meeting of the Grama Panchayat Committee.
Emergency Decisions: Take temporary decisions in urgent situations when it is not possible to convene a general meeting of the Panchayat Committee. Such decisions must subsequently be placed before and approved by the general meeting.
Dispute Resolution: Discuss and resolve administrative disputes, differences, and confusion arising between different committees or officials.
In short, the Steering Committee functions as a high-level coordinating body, similar to a ‘Cabinet’ of the Grama Panchayat, helping to ensure effective coordination and smooth administration.