Section 16A(6) in The West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973
(6)[ A Gram Sansad shall guide and advise the Gram Panchayat in regard to the schemes for economic development and social justice undertaken or proposed to be undertaken in its area [and for the aforesaid purpose, the outlines of such perspective plan and annual plan as adopted by the Gram Sansad for its area shall be the basis of Gram Panchayat plan] [Sub-Section (6) substituted by W.B. Act 18 of 1994.] and may, without prejudice to the generality of such guidance and advice, -(a)identity, or lay down principles for identification of, the schemes which are required to be taken on priority basis for economic development of the village,(b)identify, or lay down principles for identification of, the beneficiaries for various poverty alleviation programmes,](c)[ constitute a Gram Unnayan Samiti with such number of functional committees as may be required, in such manner as may be prescribed, having jurisdiction over the area of the Gram Sansad for ensuring active participation of the people in implementation, maintenance and equitable distribution of benefits with respect to such subjects, as may be prescribed:] [[Clause (c) substituted by W.B. Act 8 of 2003, which was earlier as under:-'(c) constitute one or more beneficiary committees comprising not more than nine persons, who are not members of the Gram Panchayat for ensuring active participation of the people in implementation, maintenance and equitable distribution of benefits of one or more schemes in its area.'.]]Provided that the Gram Unnayan Samiti shall be accountable for its functions and decisions, to the Gram Sansad and the Gram Sansad shall exercise its power and authority in this behalf in such manner, as may be prescribed.(d)mobilise mass participation for community welfare programmes and programmes for adult education, family welfare and child welfare,(e)promote solidarity and harmony among all sections of the people irrespective of religion, faith, casts, creed or race,(f)record its objection to any action of the Pradhan or any other member of the Gram Panchayat for failure to implement any development scheme properly or without active participation of the people of that area.][Provided that without prejudice to the terms and conditions laid down in the guidelines relating to a poverty alleviation programme in which beneficiaries are selected not on the basis of entitlement or demand but using discretion of the Panchayat body concerned, the implementing agency shall take steps to ensure that as nearly as possible three percent of the total number of beneficiaries for such programme shall constitute people with any form of disability.] [Added by W.B. Act No. 8 of 2010, dated 13.5.2010.]
