Kamal Haasan urges Tamil Nadu CM to boost the power of Gram Sabhas

On Saturday the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam, Kamal Haasan, took to his X account to share a copy of a letter he addressed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. In the note, the actor‑turned‑MP outlined a handful of ideas he believes could turn Gram Sabhas – the constitutionally‑mandated village assemblies – into genuinely participatory bodies.

He begins with a simple premise: the people who sit on village panchayat boards are doing a public service that deserves better pay. At present, the monthly honorarium for a village president is only a few thousand rupees. Haasan proposes Rs 16,000 for presidents, Rs 10,000 for vice‑presidents and Rs 8,000 for ward members – a figure he says would recognise the time and responsibility involved.

Another point that catches the eye is his suggestion about TASMAC liquor shops. Haasan asks that a properly convened Gram Sabha, if it registers a clear and sustained opposition to an existing outlet, should be able to trigger a veto mechanism. He also wants the community’s consent before any new TASMAC shop is set up in a village, arguing that revenue concerns must not drown out local voices.

Beyond money and liquor, the former film star stresses the need for a real culture of public participation. He calls for sustained awareness campaigns, live‑telecasting of model Gram Sabha meetings and a system where citizens can propose agenda items before the gathering. Most importantly, he stresses that resolutions passed in these meetings should be followed up with time‑bound action and that implementation status be made public.

Haasan also touches on capacity‑building. He urges the state to invest in training, research and documentation – notably through the State Institute of Rural Development – so that Gram Sabhas can move beyond being merely statutory meetings to become platforms where villagers can prioritize needs in water, sanitation, roads, health and livelihood.

“Gandhiji’s vision of Gram Swaraj was rooted in empowered villages and participatory democracy,” Haasan wrote. “Making Tamil Nadu the model state for village governance would be a fitting tribute to that legacy.” He sees the upcoming October 2 Gram Sabha meetings as a chance to put these ideas into practice and to show that grassroots democracy can be both inclusive and outcome‑oriented.