The Centre has asked the state governments to clearly articulate the role of gram sabhas in their policies, programmes and schemes to make them vibrant forums for rural development. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj said in an advisory to all state governments said the states should clearly define the role and responsibilities of sarpanches and panchs of the gram sabhas who should represent the voice of people and not be rendered as mere functionaries of the administration.The Centre also asked the states to define the role of gram sabha secretaries and duly protect them from local pressures. The ministry also asked the states to enhance the scope of the deliberations in the Gram Sabha meetings by including topics which are more interesting and meaningful.