JAGRATHA SAMITHI
The 'Jagratha Samithi' is a crucial statutory mechanism operating at the local level in Kerala's Grama Panchayats, aimed at ensuring the safety of women and children and preventing atrocities against them.
In accordance with the Panchayat Raj Act and directives from the Women's Commission, Jagratha Samithis have been constituted in all local self-government institutions.
Key details regarding this committee are provided below:
1. Structure of the Jagratha Samithi (Panchayat Level)
The structure of the Jagratha Samithi at the Grama Panchayat level is as follows:
Chairperson: Grama Panchayat President
Vice-Chairperson: Grama Panchayat Vice-President
Convener: Women and Child Development Officer
Co-Convener: Grama Panchayat Secretary
Members:
Chairperson of the Welfare Standing Committee
Concerned Circle Inspector (CI) or Sub-Inspector (SI)
A female lawyer (nominated by the Legal Services Authority)
A female representative from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) community
Medical Officer
Kudumbashree CDS (Community Development Society) Chairperson
A representative selected from among the conveners of the Ward-level Jagratha Samithis
Note: In addition to the Panchayat-level committee, 'Ward-level Jagratha Samithis' also function at the ward level under the leadership of the Ward Member. 2. Key Responsibilities and Powers
Resolving Complaints: Receive complaints regarding issues such as dowry-related harassment, domestic violence, denial of freedom of movement, outraging the modesty of women, and workplace exploitation; facilitate resolutions through conciliation or legal means.
Providing Legal Aid: Ensure free legal assistance and counseling for women and children who are victims of abuse.
Referring Cases: Refer serious cases that cannot be resolved within the committee's jurisdiction to the police, the courts, or the State Women's Commission.
Creating Awareness: Organize awareness classes in every ward regarding the rights of women and children and relevant laws.
Preventing Atrocities: Build local resistance against practices such as child marriage, female foeticide, and the use of or trafficking in narcotics involving children.
3. Significance of the Vigilance Committee
This is a 'quasi-judicial' mechanism that allows ordinary women—who might otherwise hesitate to approach courts or the police—to voice their grievances without fear. Its services are provided entirely free of cost.
Typically, the Vigilance Committee meets once a month to review and take action on the complaints received.
