Jagratha Samithi

The Jagratha Samithi is an important institutional mechanism functioning in Grama Panchayats in Kerala to ensure the safety of women and children and to prevent violence and abuse against them. Jagratha Samithis have been constituted in Local Self-Government Institutions as per the provisions of the Panchayati Raj system and in accordance with the directions of the Kerala Women’s Commission.

🎯 Objectives

  • Ensure the safety and security of women and children.
  • Prevent violence and abuse and receive complaints.
  • Provide legal assistance and counselling.
  • Create awareness among the public regarding the rights and protection of women and children.

👥 Structure of the Jagratha Samithi – Panchayat Level

Chairperson:
Grama Panchayat President

Vice Chairperson:
Grama Panchayat Vice President

Convener:
Women and 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 Duties and Powers

Complaint Resolution

Receive complaints relating to dowry harassment, domestic violence, insulting or degrading women, restriction of freedom of movement, exploitation at workplaces, and other forms of violence, and assist in finding appropriate remedies.

Legal Assistance

Ensure free legal assistance and counselling for women and children who are victims of violence and abuse.

Case Referral

Refer serious cases to the Police, Courts or the Kerala Women’s Commission, as appropriate.

Awareness Programmes

Conduct ward-level awareness programmes on the rights of women and children and relevant laws.

Prevention of Violence and Abuse

Undertake preventive activities against child marriage, female foeticide, substance abuse among children, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

🌟 Importance of the Jagratha Samithi

The Jagratha Samithi provides a free, accessible and quasi-judicial mechanism at the local level through which women, particularly those who may hesitate to approach the police or courts, can report their grievances without fear. The committee generally meets once a month and takes necessary follow-up action on the complaints received.

ℹ️ Service

The services of the Jagratha Samithi are free of cost to the public. The system plays an important role at the local level in ensuring the safety, protection and rights of women and children.

📞 Contact

Phone: 0481-2505323
Email: pmdypdyktm@gmail.com