The grama sabha’s in Kerala have long stood as the foundation pillars of its unique model of decentralized governance. It successfully brought democracy to the grassroots of the society. Envisioned as a platform for direct democracy it empowered ordinary citizens at ward level to participate in local planning, budget allocation, and development discussions. However, over the years, the spirit of this ideal has dimmed. Low turnout, poor representation, outdated methods of communication, and a lack of sustained follow-up have reduced many such meetings into passive rituals rather than vibrant democratic forums. This is where Kerala’s WeOne app steps in as a pioneering digital platform that modernizes the Grama Sabha concept for the realities of today's connected world.

WeOne creates a vibrant virtual space which is inclusive and transparent. Thus, it rewires local participation giving voice to every resident of a ward, not just during scheduled meetings but every day. Whether it's tracking government schemes, participating in ward-level discussions, reporting local issues, or collaborating on development goals, WeOne ensures that civic engagement is accessible, measurable, and ongoing. So, what makes WeOne a true game-changer for local governance in Kerala? Let’s explore how this new platform is redefining participatory development in 2025.

The new-age civic tech platform Keralites longed for: WeOne

At its core, democracy recognizes every citizen not just as a voter, but as an individual whose personal growth shapes the larger society. True democratic participation means more than showing up every five years; it means being heard, informed, and empowered, every day. What if democracy wasn’t something you only remembered during elections? What if it lived in your pocket, spoke your language, and responded when tapped? Imagine being able to ask, suggest, vote, or question what’s happening around your home, right from your phone.

That’s what WeOne aspires to be. It is not just another government app, but a living, breathing extension of your local civic body. Custom-built for the people of Kerala, WeOne bridges the gap between citizens and the civic system by putting real-time ward-level updates, on schemes, funds, welfare, and development, right at your fingertips. By connecting you to the resources, decisions, and discussions that shape your neighbourhood. WeOne unlocks your ability to grow with your community. Because when empowered individuals engage with empowered institutions, democracy truly comes alive.

WeOne is your digital window into your local body governance. Whether you want to check if the road project near your home is funded, raise a civic grievance, follow up on a scheme you’re eligible for, or even track how your panchayat’s annual budget is being spent- WeOne puts that power in your hand. No more hunting for notice boards or relying on hearsay. With its user-friendly interface, multilingual support, and real-time feeds, it ensures that even the smallest community clusters remain informed, engaged, and included in Kerala’s democratic process.

Built on the framework of traditional Grama Sabha

What makes WeOne even more powerful is its foundation- it’s built on the participatory ethos of the traditional Grama Sabha. But unlike the physical meetings that happen two to four times a year, WeOne keeps the spirit of civic participation alive 24x7. It allows residents to express their opinions, comment on development priorities, monitor execution, and directly interface with their local representatives. In doing so, it doesn’t replace the Grama Sabha- it amplifies it, using technology to ensure that everyone, from youth to the elderly, from townships to tribal hamlets, gets an equal, accessible voice in shaping their locality’s future.

The need for the resurgence of our basic democratic unit, the grama sabha in to modern society

As per Article 243B of the Constitution, the panchayat president is mandated to convene a Grama Sabha if at least 10% of the total voters or a minimum of 50 residents within a ward submit a requisition. The panchayat secretary serves as the coordinator of this process. However, in practice, the attendance often remains low, even in wards with thousands of residents. The reasons vary widely

•  Most citizens simply can’t make time due to work, travel, or family commitments
•  Ward residents remain unaware that a meeting is even happening
•  Dullness of procedural delays and jargon-filled agendas
•  Not using new-age technology to communicate

This renders a vibrant public forum to feel more like a bureaucratic formality. The gap in participation highlights a missed opportunity- because with the thoughtful use of modern technology, we can activate broader participation across all layers of the ward community. By enabling easier access, timely communication, and digital engagement, we can revitalize the grama sabha, bringing in a more representative and vibrant cross-section of society.

This disconnect also creates an information black hole. Even schemes and development plans fail to reach those who need them most, not because of a lack of funds, but because people don’t know they exist, don’t know how to apply, or don’t know whom to ask. Meanwhile, local funds meant for urgent infrastructure or welfare projects often get delayed or underutilized due to red tape, poor communication, or lack of timely public feedback. In such a system, even small victories, like building a footpath or getting a drinking water connection can take months or years.

And perhaps the most frustrating part? Resolutions passed in Grama Sabhas often remain just that resolutions. Once the chairs are folded and the microphones are packed, there's rarely a system to ensure that what was promised is followed through. This is where WeOne flips the script. Every citizen can track the progress of proposals, monitor fund usage, submit follow-ups, and get notified when action is taken. It's not just about saying something in a meeting- it’s about making sure what’s said actually happens. WeOne creates a transparent loop of participation and accountability that the traditional system struggles to maintain in today’s fast-paced world.

How WeOne digitally reinvents the basic democratic cell

WeOne transforms the static, once-in-a-while nature of traditional Grama Sabhas into a living, digital civic space with a transparency envisaged earlier, but accomplished only now with technology. Every resident now has access to ward-level feeds that show how government schemes are being rolled out, which infrastructure projects are underway, and how public funds are actually being used. Its interactive dashboards show who proposed what at the local level, what’s been approved, what’s pending, and where bottlenecks lie. No more second-guessing or chasing down information. Whether you’re a student, homemaker, or small business owner, WeOne ensures you’re informed and empowered, every single day.

But information alone isn’t enough without the ability to act, and that’s where WeOne truly shines. Residents can participate in real-time polls, submit grievances with photos and GPS tags, and vote on priorities through simple surveys. Instead of waiting for the next Grama Sabha to voice a concern, users can log issues anytime, and see how others in their community feel about the same. This creates a digitally recorded consensus that local leaders can’t ignore. With participatory budgeting features, citizens can even help prioritize how funds are allocated, choosing between streetlight installations, road repairs, or school upgrades based on actual needs rather than assumptions.

Beyond governance, WeOne also fosters hyperlocal collaboration and economic empowerment. Local sellers, service providers, and artisans can showcase their work to their own communities, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem of neighborhood commerce including Kudumbasree units. Volunteer groups can organize cleanups, health camps, or awareness drives right from the app, turning online engagement into real-world impact. By combining transparent data, continuous feedback loops, and community-driven action, WeOne doesn’t just digitize the Grama Sabha- it revitalizes it for a generation that’s digital-first but deeply rooted in local identity.

What sets WeOne apart from generic civic apps is its sharp ward-level focus- it doesn’t drown users in irrelevant updates from across the state. Instead, your WeOne feed is tailor-made, showing more of matters in your locality- whether it’s a new roadwork plan, a health camp, or pending water connection complaints in your ward. It’s hyperlocal governance in the truest sense. Even better, WeOne strikes a rare balance- it’s citizen-led in spirit, giving people a platform to voice needs and priorities, while being government backed in function, with direct integration into official department workflows. This ensures that local input doesn’t just echo it gets acted upon.

Your ward, your say:  Civic participation for every citizen

For citizens, WeOne is a tool for empowerment. By offering real-time access to ward-level schemes, projects, and funds, it helps people understand what’s happening in their community and how they can take part. Whether it's voting on local proposals, reporting an issue with photo evidence, or tracking the status of a request, citizens no longer remain passive recipients, they become active contributors to the governance process. With better awareness comes a stronger voice, and with a stronger voice comes faster response and resolution, closing the gap between problems and action.

For panchayat members and councilors, WeOne provides a smarter way to govern. Local representatives gain access to real-time data that helps them make informed, community-backed decisions. They can track the progress of schemes, understand where grievances are concentrated, and directly engage with the public in a transparent manner. For government departments, WeOne brings streamlined service delivery, accurate ground-level insights, and ultimately, higher public trust. With each stakeholder connected through a single platform, governance becomes less about paperwork and politics- and more about participation, efficiency, and progress.

Digital governance with WeOne is the future of local governance

WeOne breaks the barriers that once held back everyday citizens from actively participating in governance. Whether you're a young professional with a busy schedule, a homemaker juggling responsibilities, a senior citizen with mobility concerns, or even an NRI wanting to stay connected to your hometown- WeOne brings the Grama Sabha to you. By removing the limitations of time, distance, and political gatekeeping, it ensures that every voice can be heard, regardless of background or location. It's civic participation made simple, inclusive, and accessible for all.

In a time when democracy needs to be more personal and participatory than ever, WeOne revitalizes grassroots governance for the digital age. It’s not just an app, it’s a movement toward empowered, informed, and connected communities. Your ward needs your voice, your insights, and your action. So don’t wait for the next physical meeting. Download WeOne, join your digital Grama Sabha, and help shape the future of your locality. After all, real change begins right where you live.