(1)The Gram Sabha shall manage the lands which are vested in it including such other lands as may come under its management and undertake activities for the welfare of the village community and the members thereof and do all other things incidental thereto.(2)In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the for egoing power, the Gram Sabha may,-(a)take steps to inculcate and develop in the village community the spirit of collective responsibility, natural aid and promote or undertake or participate in co-operative activities;(b)take steps to promote multisided and integrated development of the village community;(c)arrange for the maintenance of the destitute children and old and infirm persons;(d)prepare and implement schemes for the improvement of agriculture in the village and the best utilisation of lands in the village;(e)set apart land for community purposes;(f)prepare and implement schemes for the general development of the village including promotion of small scale industries therein and the proper utilisation of local resources and manpower;(g)allot such lands as are available for the purpose of landless persons;(h)prepare and implement schemes for regional self-sufficiency in articles of food, clothing and other necessities of life and to that end secure the co-operation and assistance of the Government, and other institutions or agencies operating in the village or in its neighbourhood;(i)promote consolidation of holdings;(j)grant loans to any member of the Gram Sabha, whether an allottee of land or not, for any purpose where agricultural or not;(k)take measures for improvement of lands and reclamation of waste lands and introduce improved methods of cultivation;(l)promote the industrial development of the village;(m)facilitate the elimination of unemployment in the village;(n)raise voluntary contributions from the village for community purposes; (o) maintain the accounts of the Gram Nidhi:(p)prepare and maintain village records including register giving details of land holdings in the possession of persons under the Gram Sabha; (q) raise a village peace force or Shanti Dal for the maintenance of peace in the village by peaceful means; and (r) perform such other functions and duties exercise such other powers as may from time to time be prescribed.
