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Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi is a most important legal mechanism operating at the local level to ensure the safety of women and children and prevent atrocities against them in the gram panchayats of Kerala .

As per the Panchayat Raj Act, Jagratha Samiti has been formed in all local bodies as per the recommendations of the Women's Commission.

The following is important information about this committee:

1. Structure of Jagratha Samiti (Panchayat level)

The structure of the Jagratha Samiti at the Gram Panchayat level is as follows:

  • Chairperson: Gram Panchayat President

  • Vice Chairperson: Grama Panchayat Vice President

  • Convener:  Women and Child Development Officer.

  • Co-Convenor:  Gram Panchayat Secretary

  • Members:

    • Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Welfare Affairs

    • The concerned Circle Inspector (CI) or Sub Inspector (SI)

    • A female lawyer (recommended by the Legal Services Authority)

    • One woman representative from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe category

    • Medical Officer

    • Kudumbashree CDS Chairperson

    • One person selected from among the ward level Jagratha Samiti conveners

Note: In addition to the Panchayat level, 'Ward Level Vigilance Committees' are also functioning at the ward level under the leadership of ward members.

2. Main duties and powers

  • Resolving complaints: Receive complaints such as dowry harassment, domestic violence, denial of freedom of movement, humiliation of femininity, and exploitation in the workplace and help find solutions through reconciliation or legal means.

  • Provide legal aid: Ensure free legal aid and counseling for women and children who are victims of violence.

  • Refer cases: Refer serious cases that cannot be resolved within the purview of the committee to the police, court, or state women's commission.

  • Awareness: Organize awareness classes in each ward about the rights and laws of women and children.

  • Prevent violence: Build local resistance against child marriage, female foeticide, and drug abuse/trafficking against children.

3. Importance of the Vigilance Committee

This is a 'quasi-judicial' mechanism that allows ordinary women who are hesitant to approach the courts or the police to air their grievances without fear . Its services are provided completely free of cost.

The Vigilance Committee usually meets once a month and takes action on the complaints received.