Welfare Standing Committee
Welfare Standing Committee
About the Welfare Standing Committee
The Welfare Standing Committee is an important committee in local self-government institutions in Kerala, including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats and District Panchayats, working for the welfare and upliftment of marginalized and vulnerable sections of society.
The main objective of the committee is to ensure that development funds and welfare schemes of the Panchayat reach eligible beneficiaries effectively and in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
Main Responsibilities and Areas of Activity
01. Social Security Pensions
Identify eligible beneficiaries for various social security pensions, including old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension and agricultural labour pension, and ensure that the prescribed eligibility criteria are satisfied.
02. Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Development
- Give priority to the development of SC/ST colonies, access to drinking water and housing.
- Provide necessary support for housing schemes such as the LIFE Mission.
- Ensure the proper distribution of educational benefits and scholarships to children belonging to these communities.
03. Women & Child Development and Disability Welfare
- Conduct awareness programmes to prevent violence against women and children.
- Plan women-focused development programmes through gender budgeting.
- Ensure the distribution of assistive devices for persons with disabilities.
- Implement schemes to provide assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.
- Implement self-employment schemes for persons with disabilities.
04. Poverty Eradication and Employment Opportunities
- Identify extremely poor households within the Panchayat area.
- Prepare and implement special micro-plans for extremely poor families.
- Coordinate Kudumbashree programmes and activities.
- Strengthen the functioning of neighbourhood groups.
- Facilitate access to subsidies for women's self-employment groups.
Committee Structure
Committee Members
The committee consists of members elected from among the elected ward members of the Panchayat Administrative Committee according to the system of proportional representation.
Committee Chairperson
The members of the committee elect one among themselves as the Chairperson of the Welfare Standing Committee.
Convener
The Convener is generally a concerned departmental officer of the local self-government institution. In many cases, the Performance Audit Supervisor or another officer designated by the Panchayat may serve as the Convener.
Working Method
The Welfare Standing Committee generally meets every month and discusses applications and schemes that fall within its area of responsibility.
The recommendations and beneficiary lists approved by the committee are submitted to the Panchayat General Body (Administrative Committee meeting) for final approval.
Funds are allocated and the schemes are implemented with the approval of the Panchayat Administrative Committee.
Welfare Scheme Process
Important Note
Generally, local self-government institutions have four major Standing Committees: Finance, Development, Welfare, and Health & Education.
Among these committees, the position of Chairperson of one committee is mandatorily reserved for a woman, in accordance with the representation of women in the Administrative Committee.