TAMBARAM: Gram sabhas, held on Thursday in 25 panchayats of St. Thomas Mount Panchayat Union (also called Mount Block) in connection with May Day, discussed the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and how it could benefit men and women aged above 18, seeking jobs. It is mandatory for these rural local bodies to convene gram sabhas or village council meetings on important national days. The subjects usually covered at the meetings in the St. Thomas Mount Block pertained to basic amenities and the welfare assistance for senior citizens and women.