The Gram Sabha had been visualized as an institutionalized forum of villagers that would ensure that every voice in the village was heard, the needs and concerns of every quarter of the society was addressed and that the elected representatives of the panchayats performed their duties as expected of them. If we look at the last eighteen years since the 73rd constitutional amendment came through, we find a lot to be happy about. Regular and serious panchayat elections, an increasing representation of women and people from other marginalized sections of the society, many forceful voices rising from the grassroots, forcing the powers that be to sit up and take note, a host of innovative development initiatives that have come to fruition under the able stewardship of the people at the grassroots. In fact, in a bold move the India government has also decided to stitch the Gram Sabhas into the industrial fabric of the country. In bits and pieces at first and now regularly, the Gram Sabhas have been given the authority to decide if a particular industrial project should be located in the area where the Sabha operates. If an industrialist has to set up a project, he has to inform the Sabha, give them an opportunity to call a meeting, explain the details of the project and ask for their permission to buy land from the area. Only when the Sabha has approved the same can the project go through.