Elikkulam Grama Panchayat
Jagratha Samithi
Jagratha Samithi
Jagratha Samithi
The Jagratha Samithi is an important mechanism functioning in Grama Panchayats in Kerala to ensure the safety of women and children and to prevent violence against them. As per the Panchayat Raj Act, Jagratha Samithis have been constituted in Local Self-Government Institutions in accordance with the directions of the Kerala Women's Commission.
🎯 Objectives
01
Ensure the safety and security of women and children.
02
Prevent violence and receive complaints related to violence and abuse.
03
Provide access to legal assistance and counselling.
04
Create awareness among the public about the rights and protection of women and children.
👥 Structure of Jagratha Samithi
Panchayat Level
Chairperson
Grama Panchayat President
Vice Chairperson
Grama Panchayat Vice President
Convener
Women & Child Development Officer
Co-Convener
Grama Panchayat Secretary
Other Members
- Chairperson of the Welfare Standing Committee
- Concerned Circle Inspector (CI) / Sub Inspector (SI)
- A woman advocate nominated by the Legal Services Authority
- A woman representative from the Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe community
- Medical Officer
- Kudumbashree CDS Chairperson
- One person elected from among the Ward-level Jagratha Samithi Conveners
Special Note
In addition to the Panchayat-level Jagratha Samithi, Ward-level Jagratha Samithis also function in each ward under the leadership of the respective Ward Member.
⚖️ Major Responsibilities & Powers
Addressing Complaints
Receive complaints relating to dowry harassment, domestic violence, insulting the dignity of women, restriction of freedom of movement, exploitation at workplaces and other forms of violence, and provide assistance for their resolution.
Legal Assistance
Ensure free legal assistance and counselling for women and children who are victims of violence and abuse.
Referring Cases
Refer serious cases to the Police, Courts or the Kerala State Women's Commission, as appropriate.
Awareness Programmes
Organise awareness programmes at the ward level on the rights of women and children and the laws intended for their protection.
Prevention of Violence
Undertake preventive activities against child marriage, female foeticide, substance abuse among children and human trafficking.
🌟 Importance of Jagratha Samithi
The Jagratha Samithi is a free, quasi-judicial-type mechanism through which ordinary women who may hesitate to approach the courts or police can present their complaints without fear.
The committee generally meets once a month and takes necessary follow-up action on the complaints received.
ℹ️ Services
The services of the Jagratha Samithi are available to the public free of cost. The mechanism functions at the local level to ensure the safety of women and children and to protect their rights.
Elikkulam Grama Panchayat • Kottayam District • Kerala
