Substitution of Section 16 of Assam Act I of 1962

Section 4 of the Assam Gramdan (Amendment) Act, 1966 deals with substitution of Section 16 of Assam Act I of 1962. For Section 16 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely :- "Powers and functions of the Gram Sabha.

For Section 16 of the principal Act, the following shall be substituted, namely :- "Powers and functions of the Gram Sabha. 16.

(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 of the members thereof and do all other things incidental thereto.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the Gram Sabha may,- (a) take steps to inculcate and develop in the village community the spirit of collective responsibility, mutual aid, and to promote the undertaking and participation in co-operative activities ;

(b) take steps to promote multi-sided and integrated development of the village community ;

(c) arrange for the maintenance of destitute children and old and infirm persons ;

(d) prepare and implement schemes for the improvement of agriculture in the village and the best utilization 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 utilization of local resources and man-power ;

(g) allot such lands as are available for the purpose to 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 the assistance of the Government and other institutions or agencies ;

(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 whether 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 on 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 and exercise such other powers as may, from time to time, be prescribed."

Section 4, The Assam Gramdan (Amendment) Act, 1966 (Act 19 of 1966).