Chelakkara
Grama Panchayat

Planning Committee

The Panchayat Planning Committee is a committee responsible for planning development projects, setting priorities, and providing guidance in the formulation and implementation of various development schemes for the overall development of the Panchayat. As part of the People's Planning Process, the Committee plays a vital role in assessing the development needs of the Panchayat and preparing annual plans and project proposals. Its primary objective is to ensure public participation in development activities and provide recommendations necessary for the sustainable development of the Panchayat.

Chelakkara Grama Panchayat Planning Committee Members

Jagratha Samithi

📖 Jagratha Samithi            

             The Jagratha Samithi (Vigilance Committee) is one of the most important statutory mechanisms functioning in Gram Panchayats across Kerala to ensure the safety of women and children and to prevent violence and abuse against them.

        In accordance with the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the directives of the Kerala Women's Commission, Jagratha Samithis have been constituted in all Local Self Government Institutions. Their primary objectives are to ensure the safety of women and children, protect their rights, provide legal assistance, and promote public awareness.

🎯 Objectives

• Ensure the safety and security of women and children.
• Prevent violence and receive complaints.
• Provide legal assistance and counselling services.
• Create awareness among the public.

Structure of the Jagratha Samithi (Panchayat Level)

Chairperson - Gram Panchayat President

Vice Chairperson - Gram Panchayat Vice President

Convener - Women and Child Development Officer

Co-Convener - Gram Panchayat Secretary

Members

• Chairperson of the 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 Representative selected from among the Ward-level Jagratha Samithi Conveners

📌 Note

       In addition to the Panchayat-level committee, Ward-level Jagratha Samithis function in every ward under the leadership of the respective Ward Member.

Key Responsibilities and Powers

⚖ Complaint Redressal

     Receive and facilitate the resolution of complaints related to dowry harassment, domestic violence, outraging the modesty of women, denial of freedom of movement, workplace exploitation, and similar issues through mediation or legal intervention.

👩‍⚖ Legal Assistance

Ensure free legal aid and counselling for women and children who are victims of violence or abuse.

🚔 Case Referral

Refer serious cases beyond the committee's jurisdiction to the Police, Courts, or the Kerala Women's Commission for further action.

📚 Awareness Programmes

Organize awareness programmes in every ward on the rights of women and children and on relevant laws and legal protections.

🛡 Prevention of Violence

Work to prevent child marriage, female foeticide, substance abuse affecting children, human trafficking, and other forms of violence against women and children.

🌟 Importance of the Jagratha Samithi

The Jagratha Samithi is a free, quasi-judicial mechanism that enables women, especially those who are hesitant to approach the Police or Courts, to report their grievances without fear. The committee generally meets once every month to review complaints received and initiate appropriate follow-up action.

ℹ Service:

The services of the Jagratha Samithi are provided free of cost to the public. The committee functions effectively at the local level to ensure the safety of women and children while protecting their rights and promoting justice.

Tree Committee

A Panchayat Level Tree Committee has been constituted for the protection of trees standing along public roads and in public places, and for preventing accidents caused by trees or their branches being uprooted or falling.

Tree Committees have been constituted at the Panchayat level as per Circular No. 248/RC3/2016/LSGD dated 14.07.2017 issued by the Local Self Government Department. The Committee functions at the local level to avoid delays associated with obtaining approval from the District Level Tree Committee for tree removal and to ensure timely decisions in emergency situations.

Committee Structure

• Panchayat President – Chairman
• Panchayat Secretary – Convener
• Village Officer – Member
• Forest Range Officer / Representative – Member

Major Responsibilities

• Examine whether trees and branches in public places pose any safety risks.

• Take necessary action regarding trees that may threaten public life and property.

• Direct owners to remove hazardous trees located on private property.

• Initiate legal action where necessary and recover expenses from the concerned individual if directions are not complied with.

• Ensure valuation of trees proposed for removal is carried out through the Forest Department.

• Coordinate tree protection activities within the Panchayat and ensure environmental safety.

The Panchayat Level Tree Committee functions with the objective of ensuring both public safety and environmental protection.

Traffic Regulatory Committee

Grama Panchayat Level Traffic Regulatory Committee

The Grama Panchayat Level Traffic Regulatory Committee is a coordinating committee constituted with representatives from various departments to ensure effective traffic regulation, road safety and traffic management within the Grama Panchayat area. The Chairperson of the Committee is the President of the Grama Panchayat and the Convener is an officer nominated by the District Police Chief. This is a local committee functioning under the supervision of the District Traffic Regulatory Committee.

Committee Structure

• President of the Grama Panchayat – Chairperson
• Officer nominated by the District Magistrate – Member
• Officer nominated by the District Police Chief – Member / Convener
• Officer nominated by the Regional Transport Officer – Member
• Officer nominated by the Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD) – Member

Major Responsibilities

• Study traffic-related issues within the Grama Panchayat area and provide necessary recommendations.

• Recommend measures to enhance road safety.

• Suggest remedial measures for traffic congestion, accident-prone situations and parking-related issues.

• Coordinate with the concerned departments regarding road signs, traffic control systems and safety arrangements.

• Coordinate activities to ensure a safe and smooth transportation system for the public and road users.

• Support the implementation of the policies and directions of the District Traffic Regulatory Committee at the local level.

District Traffic Regulatory Committee

Committee Structure

• District Magistrate – Chairperson
• Members of Parliament (MPs) in the District – Members
• Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the District – Members
• District Police Chief – Member / Convener
• Regional Transport Officer (RTO) – Member
• Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD) – Member