Welfare Stanting Committee
Welfare Standing Committee
The Welfare Standing Committee is one of the most important committees in Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs) in Kerala, including Grama Panchayats, Block Panchayats, and District Panchayats. It works for the advancement and welfare of marginalised and vulnerable sections of society.
The primary objective of the committee is to ensure that the development funds and welfare schemes of the Panchayat reach the eligible beneficiaries in a timely and effective manner. Its major responsibilities and structure are described below.
Major Responsibilities and Areas of Function
1. Social Security Pensions
- Identify eligible beneficiaries for various social security pensions, including old-age pension, widow pension, disability pension, agricultural labour pension, and other welfare pensions.
- Ensure that beneficiaries meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.
2. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Development
- Give priority to the development of SC/ST colonies, including improvement of basic facilities, drinking water supply, and housing construction, such as projects implemented under the LIFE Mission.
- Ensure the proper distribution of educational benefits and scholarships to children belonging to SC/ST communities.
3. Women and Child Development and Welfare of Persons with Disabilities
- Plan awareness programmes to prevent violence against women and children.
- Formulate women-oriented development programmes through gender budgeting.
- Implement schemes for the distribution of assistive devices to persons with disabilities, such as wheelchairs and hearing aids.
- Promote self-employment opportunities and livelihood programmes for persons with disabilities.
4. Poverty Eradication and Employment Generation
- Identify extremely poor and vulnerable households within the Panchayat and prepare and implement special Micro Plans for their upliftment.
- Coordinate Kudumbashree activities and strengthen the functioning of neighbourhood groups.
- Facilitate subsidies and other support for women's self-employment groups and livelihood initiatives.
Composition of the Committee
Members
The committee consists of members elected from among the elected Ward Members of the Panchayat governing body through the system of proportional representation.
Chairperson
The members of the committee elect one among themselves as the Chairperson of the Welfare Standing Committee.
Convenor / Implementing Officer
A concerned departmental officer of the Local Self-Government Institution generally serves as the Convenor/Implementing Officer of the committee. This may include the Performance Audit Supervisor or another Implementing Officer designated by the Panchayat.