Meppadi
Grama Panchayat

MEPPADI GRAMA PANCHAYAT

 Administrative history

 Established by the British Government on April 27, 1935, Meppadi Grama Panchayat is one of the oldest local self-government institutions in Wayanad district. At the time of its formation, the administrative affairs of the Panchayat were managed by a 16-member governing committee nominated by the British Government. The first President of the Panchayat was a European named T. E. Heave. The Panchayat initially consisted of three wards: Thrikkepetta, Kottappadi, and Muppainad. Later, the Panchayat functioned under the Madras Local Board and, over time, became part of Kerala’s local self-government system, transitioning to a democratic system of governance. In its early years, the Panchayat office functioned from the Meppadi Cosmopolitan Club and the Chullick Estate Club. In 1969, during the tenure of K. Babu Sahib as President,  the Panchayat moved to its own building, bringing greater stability and efficiency to its administrative operations. Over the years, successive Panchayat administrations have led various public development initiatives, including infrastructure development, advancement of the agricultural sector, drinking water supply, road development, and interventions in the fields of health and education.  part of the decentralisation of powers granted to local self-government institutions through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Meppadi Grama Panchayat has been effectively implementing participatory planning programmes, social welfare schemes, disaster management initiatives, and environmental protection activities. At present, the Panchayat administration functions by coordinating various development and welfare activities based on the principles of public participation, transparency, accountability, and service excellencs