A meeting of all the adults living within the area covered by a Panchayat is called a Gram Sabha. It constitutes of any adult (18 years or more) living within the panchayat area. This meeting which is held two to four times a year is an example of local participation in the decision-making process. The meeting allows local people to discuss topics related to local governance and local development. This in turns influences the Panchayat to implement development programs which are mandated, supervised and monitored by the Gram Sabha. This establishes the overarching influence of the Gram Sabha on the Panchayat. The Gram Sabha also needs to provide its consent regarding the decisions of the Panchayat. The decisions taken by the Gram Sabha can only be annulled by the same members of the Gram Sabha.
