The Gram Shabha are the village level representatives thus you have to examine how they are supposed to function as the representatives of the communities. Whether what is on paper is practiced; whether it facilitates community participation planning development.
The first Phase of implementing a project or programme is by planning of the programme activities. Thus the community also known as the locals involve or participate in planning during the decision making phase where they contribute their views and ideas to either support or reject a plan.
In Guatemala it is possible to participate in the decision making from the local. There is a law since 2002 that states that a legally organized community can formulate community development policies, plans, programs and projects, based on the prioritization of their needs, problems and solutions, and propose them to the Municipal Development Council to its incorporation in the policies, plans, programs and development projects of the municipality. Unfortunately, there is still no citizen participation law.
The representatives of village Panchayat and voters are members of Gram Shabha and they are actively involved in the decision making process as well as selecting a beneficiary of all programs at the village level. The Members of Gram Shabha actively involve in the decision making process of Village development.