Jagratha Samithi

The Jagratha Samithi is an important legal mechanism functioning at the local level in the Gram Panchayats of Kerala Local Self Government Department to ensure the safety and protection of women and children and to prevent violence and exploitation against them.

These committees are constituted in all local self-government institutions as per the directions of the Kerala Women's Commission under the provisions of the Panchayat Raj Act.

1. Structure of the Jagratha Samithi (Panchayat Level)

The Panchayat-level Jagratha Samithi generally consists of the following members:

  • Chairperson: President of the Gram Panchayat
  • Vice Chairperson: Vice President of the Gram Panchayat
  • Convenor: Women and Child Development Officer
  • Co-Convenor: Panchayat Secretary

Members

  • Chairperson of the Welfare Standing Committee
  • Concerned Circle Inspector (CI) or Sub Inspector (SI) of Police
  • 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 representative selected from among the Ward-level Jagratha Samithi Convenors

Note

Apart from the Panchayat-level committee, Ward-level Jagratha Samithis also function under the leadership of Ward Members.

2. Major Responsibilities and Powers

Complaint Redressal

Receive and address complaints related to:

  • Dowry harassment
  • Domestic violence
  • Restriction of freedom of movement
  • Insults against women’s dignity
  • Workplace exploitation and harassment

The committee attempts to resolve such issues through mediation or by facilitating legal action.

Legal Assistance

Ensure free legal aid and counselling services for women and children facing violence or exploitation.

Referral of Cases

Refer serious cases that cannot be settled by the committee to:

  • Police authorities
  • Courts
  • Kerala Women's Commission

Awareness Programmes

Conduct awareness classes in wards regarding:

  • Rights of women and children
  • Relevant laws and legal protections

Prevention Activities

Take preventive measures against:

  • Child marriage
  • Female foeticide
  • Drug abuse and trafficking involving children

3. Importance of the Jagratha Samithi

The Jagratha Samithi acts as a quasi-judicial support mechanism where ordinary women can safely express their grievances without fear, especially when they hesitate to approach the police or courts directly.

The services provided by the committee are completely free of cost.

Usually, the committee meets once every month to review complaints and take necessary follow-up actions.