Vigilance Committee

Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi is one of the most key decentralised mechanisms in Grama Panchayats across Kerala, designed to ensure the safety and security of women and children and to resolve complaints regarding violence at the local self-government level.

🛡️ Jagratha Samithi

This committee is constituted at the Panchayat level specifically for women's safety and protection. Chaired by the Grama Panchayat President, its members include women representatives, social workers, legal service authority representatives, police officers, village officers, and key local officials.

📢 Key Objectives

  • Prevent atrocities and crimes against women and children.
  • Provide immediate relief, support, and assistance to victims.
  • Conduct legal literacy programs and awareness drives.
  • Resolve family conflicts through amicable counseling and mediation.
Structure of Jagratha Samithi (Panchayat Level)
President / ChairpersonGrama Panchayat President
Vice President / Vice-ChairpersonGrama Panchayat Vice President
ConvenorChild Development Project Officer (CDPO) / Women Development Officer
Joint ConvenorGrama Panchayat Secretary
Members
  • Chairperson, Welfare Standing Committee
  • Local Police Sub-Inspector (SI) / Circle Inspector (CI)
  • Village Officer / Revenue Department Representative
  • Kudumbashree CDS Chairperson
  • Legal Aid Lawyer / Legal Advocate
  • Health Department Representatives / Elected Ward Members
  • Social Workers nominated by Women and Child Development Department
📌 Note: A Ward-level Jagratha Samithi is also functioning across all individual wards within the Panchayat.

Main Duties & Powers

📋 Receive Complaints

Receive and inquire into petitions regarding domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry harassment, workplace atrocities, and neighborhood disputes involving women and children.

⚖️ Legal Aid

Ensure necessary free legal advice and assistance through the Legal Services Authority for victims of domestic or social violence.

💬 Case Referral

Refer severe, criminal, or complex cases to the local police station, family court, or legal services authority for formal legal proceedings.

🤝 Public Awareness

Conduct awareness sessions among the public regarding statutory women's rights, child protection laws, and social prohibitions against violence.

🎯 Executive Intervention

The committee holds administrative authority to intervene immediately through Panchayat, Police, Revenue, and Kudumbashree setups to ensure emergency protection.

💡 Importance of Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi serves as a grassroots decentralized empowerment mechanism to safeguard women and children locally across Kerala. Its primary aim is to minimize unnecessary legal hurdles and station visits by offering local grievance redressal and counseling.

Important Note: In case of emergency or immediate distress, contact the Grama Panchayat, Local Police Station, or Kudumbashree network immediately.