Standing Committees (Sections 162 and 162A)

According to the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act 1994, every Panchayat has Standing Committees as prescribed under the Act. These committees function as an essential support mechanism to ensure that responsibilities in development, welfare, and infrastructure sectors are carried out effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner.

Before any decision is taken by the Panchayat, the matter must be examined in detail. This initial scrutiny is carried out by the respective Standing Committee. Only after discussion and resolution in the Standing Committee can the matter be included in the Panchayat agenda. Once the Panchayat takes a decision, the concerned Standing Committee is also responsible for ensuring its proper implementation.

Resolutions passed by Standing Committees must be presented in the next Panchayat meeting. The Panchayat has the authority to modify such resolutions if required. The Secretary is required to attend all Standing Committee meetings and ensure proper maintenance of minutes and records.

Structure of Standing Committees

• Only elected representatives are members of Standing Committees.
• Except the President and Vice President, all Panchayat members are assigned to one Standing Committee.
• A member cannot belong to more than one Standing Committee.
• Each Standing Committee must include at least one woman member.
• The President is an ex-officio member of all Standing Committees without voting rights.
• The Vice President is the ex-officio voting member and Chairperson of the Finance Standing Committee (Section 162(6)).

Duties and Responsibilities

All members are assigned to Standing Committees to distribute the responsibilities of the Panchayat. The responsibilities belong to the Panchayat as a whole, not to individuals or committees.

Standing Committees are not independent bodies and do not have autonomous powers. They function on behalf of the Panchayat according to legally assigned duties. This system improves administrative efficiency and promotes participation and decentralization.

All decisions taken by Standing Committees must be placed before the next Panchayat meeting. The Panchayat has the authority to amend such decisions (Section 162A(3)(1)).

Meetings of Standing Committees

(As per the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Standing Committee) Rules, 2000)

• Meetings must be held at least once a month.
• Meetings are conducted at the Panchayat office at the time fixed by the Chairperson.
• Each committee considers matters assigned to it.
• If different committees take conflicting decisions on the same issue, it must be referred to the Panchayat.
• Quorum: 3 members; if voting members are 4 or fewer, quorum is 2.
• Decisions are taken by majority vote of members present.
• The Chairperson has a casting vote.
• The President must be informed of meeting details, and notices must be displayed publicly.
• Decisions can be modified or cancelled only through a specially convened meeting supported by more than half of the total committee members, within three months.

Role of Standing Committees in Local Governance

Standing Committees play a crucial role in local self-government. Only when they effectively discharge their responsibilities can governance become efficient, scientific, and meaningful.

Welfare Standing Committee

Subjects to be considered

• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes development
• Women and child development
• Social welfare
• Social security programmes
• Slum improvement
• Poverty alleviation
• Public distribution system

Members of the Welfare Standing Committee

Chairperson

• Smt. Jasna V — Ward Member, Ward No. 14, Nallani

Members

• Shri A.K. Satheeshan — Ward Member, Ward No. 06, Elampara
• Smt. Sheena K.V. — Ward Member, Ward No. 16, Panayathamparemba
• Shri P. Babu — Ward Member, Ward No. 04, Therur Palayode