Welfare Standing committee

 

Chairperson: Sajini K.
Members: Janesh K.
           : E. Prabhavathi
          : Vijayakumar

 

 
  
  

Major Responsibilities of the Committee

The Welfare Standing Committee is one of the most socially significant and people-oriented Standing Committees in a Grama Panchayat in Kerala. The Committee is responsible for implementing programmes aimed at the welfare and advancement of marginalised and economically weaker sections of society, women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

The major information regarding the Committee is given below:

1. Composition and Chairperson

  • Chairperson: A member elected by the members of the Committee from among themselves serves as the Chairperson/Chairman of the Committee.
  • Members: The Committee consists of a prescribed number of Ward Members elected from among the members of the Panchayat governing body.

2. Major Responsibilities and Powers

The Committee works in the following areas to ensure the welfare of various sections of society:

A) Welfare of Vulnerable Sections

  • SC/ST Development: Plan and implement special sub-plans such as SCP/TSP for housing, education, employment, and other developmental needs of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe communities.
  • Welfare of Senior Citizens: Establish senior citizens' clubs, day-care centres, and other facilities, and ensure necessary medical assistance for elderly persons.
  • Welfare of Persons with Disabilities: Coordinate scholarships, distribution of assistive devices such as wheelchairs and hearing aids, self-employment programmes, and other welfare measures for persons with disabilities.

B) Social Security Pensions

  • Ensure that various Social Security Pensions, such as Old Age Pension, Widow Pension, Disability Pension, and Agricultural Workers' Pension, reach eligible beneficiaries.
  • Examine new pension applications and grant approval based on the prescribed eligibility criteria.

C) Women and Child Development

  • Support Kudumbashree activities aimed at promoting the economic self-reliance and empowerment of women.
  • Oversee the activities of vigilance committees established to prevent violence against women and children.
  • Rehabilitate poor and vulnerable families through programmes such as Agathirahitha Kerala.

D) Poverty Alleviation

  • Monitor the BPL lists and Ashraya schemes within the Panchayat jurisdiction.
  • Play a significant role in the selection of beneficiaries for programmes such as the LIFE Mission, which provides housing for homeless and houseless families.

3. Importance

The Welfare Standing Committee acts as the “Conscience of the Panchayat”, ensuring that the benefits of development reach even the most vulnerable sections of society. The Committee plays a significant role in building a just and equitable local community.