Jagratha Samiuthi

Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi is the most important legal mechanism operating in the Grama Panchayats of Kerala to ensure the safety of women and children and to prevent atrocities against them. According to the Panchayat Raj Act, Jagratha Samithis have been formed in all local self-government institutions as per the directives of the Women's Commission.

🎯 Goals

  • Ensure safety for women and children.

  • Prevent atrocities and accept complaints.

  • Make legal assistance and counseling available.

  • Create awareness in society.

👥 Structure of Jagratha Samithi (Panchayat Level)

  • Chairperson: Grama Panchayat President

  • Vice Chairperson: Grama Panchayat Vice President

  • Convenor: Women and Child Development Officer

  • Co-Convenor: Grama Panchayat Secretary

  • Other Members:

    • Welfare Standing Committee Chairperson

    • Relevant Circle Inspector (CI) / Sub Inspector (SI)

    • A woman advocate (suggested by the Legal Services Authority)

    • A women representative from the Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe community

    • Medical Officer

    • Kudumbashree CDS Chairperson

    • One person selected from the ward-level Jagratha Samithi convenors

Note: In addition to the panchayat level, ward-level Jagratha Samithis are also functioning in every ward under the leadership of the ward member.

⚖️ Major Duties and Powers

  • Resolve complaints: Receive complaints regarding dowry harassment, domestic violence, outraging the modesty of women, denial of freedom of movement, and exploitation at workplaces, and help in finding solutions.

  • Legal aid: Ensure free legal assistance and counseling for women and children who are victims of atrocities.

  • Refer cases: Hand over serious cases to the police, court, or the State Women's Commission.

  • Awareness: Organize awareness programs ward-by-ward regarding the rights and laws of women and children.

  • Prevent atrocities: Conduct preventive actions against child marriage, female foeticide, drug use among children, and human trafficking.

🌟 Importance of Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi is a free, quasi-judicial system where ordinary women who are hesitant to approach courts or the police can openly speak about their complaints without fear. It usually meets once a month and takes follow-up actions on the complaints received.

ℹ️ Services:

The services of the Jagratha Samithi are free for the general public. This system has been functioning effectively at the local level to ensure the safety and rights protection of women and children.

📞 Contact Us

  • Phone Number: 0481-2551141

  • Email: akalakkunnamgp@gmail.com