Jagratha Samithi

🛡️ Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi (Jagratha Samithi) is the most important legal mechanism functioning in Grama Panchayats in Kerala to ensure the safety of women and children and to prevent violence against them.

📖 Jagratha Samithi

As per the Panchayat Raj Act, Jagratha Samithis have been formed in all Local Self-Government Institutions as per the directions of the Women's Commission. The main objectives are the safety of women and children, protection of their rights, legal assistance and awareness.

🎯 Objectives

  • Ensure the safety of women and children.
  • Prevent violence and receive complaints.
  • Provide legal assistance and counselling.
  • Create awareness in the community.

Structure of Jagratha Samithi (Panchayat Level)

ChairpersonGrama Panchayat President
Vice ChairpersonGrama Panchayat Vice President
ConvenorWomen and Child Development Officer
Co-ConvenorGrama Panchayat Secretary
Members
  • Chairperson, 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 Convenors

📌 In addition to the Panchayat level, Ward-level Jagratha Samithis are also functioning in every ward under the leadership of the Ward Member.

Main Responsibilities and Powers

⚖ Resolve Complaints

Receive complaints related to dowry harassment, domestic violence, insulting the dignity of women, denial of freedom of movement, exploitation at workplaces and similar issues, and assist in resolving them.

👩‍⚖ Legal Assistance

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

🚔 Refer Cases

Refer serious cases to the Police, Court or State Women's Commission.

📚 Awareness

Organize ward-level awareness programmes on the rights and laws relating to women and children.

🛡 Prevent Violence

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

🌟 Importance of Jagratha Samithi

Jagratha Samithi is a free quasi-judicial mechanism where ordinary women who may hesitate to approach courts or the police can openly present their complaints without fear. Generally, meetings are held once a month and follow-up action is taken on the complaints received.

ℹ Service:

The services of the Jagratha Samithi are free of cost to the public. This system functions effectively at the local level to ensure the safety and protection of the rights of women and children.