Standing Committees

 

The Standing Committee for Finance is one of the most crucial committees in Kerala's Grama Panchayats. The Vice President of the Panchayat serves as the ex-officio Chairperson of this committee.

Here is a summary of the key duties and responsibilities of the Finance Standing Committee:

                                    Financial Matters and Budgeting

  • Budget Preparation: Prepare the annual budget and supplementary budgets of the Panchayat and submit them to the Panchayat Committee (Governing Body) for approval.

  • Utilization of Funds: Closely monitor and evaluate the utilization of various budget grants.

  • Financial Statements: Verify and finalize the monthly income and expenditure statements as well as the Annual Financial Statements of the Panchayat.

                                    Taxation and Revenue

  • Tax Collection: Oversee the timely assessment and collection of property tax, profession tax, entertainment tax, various fees, and license fees.

  • Tax Appeals: Examine and resolve complaints and appeals received from the public regarding tax assessments and levies.

                                     Audit and Accounts

  • Monthly Audit: Inspect the Panchayat’s accounts at regular intervals and conduct monthly internal audits.

  • Audit Reports: Review the audit reports submitted by the Local Fund Audit Department and take necessary steps to resolve any audit objections or queries.

                                 General Administration

  • Office Management: Supervise the general administration of the Panchayat office, employee matters, and the maintenance of office buildings and vehicles.

  • Residual Jurisdiction: Handle all general subjects and public matters that have not been specifically allocated to other standing committees (such as Development, Welfare, or Health and Education).

 

The Standing Committee for Development is another vital committee in Kerala's Grama Panchayats. An elected member of the Panchayat serves as the Chairperson of this committee.

Here is a summary of the key duties and responsibilities of the Development Standing Committee:

                                      Agriculture and Allied Sectors

  • Agricultural Development: Plan and implement projects to increase the production of paddy, vegetables, and other essential crops.

  • Animal Husbandry and Dairy: Execute schemes related to dairy development, poultry farming, and overall livestock management.

  • Fisheries: Coordinate inland fishing activities and related local development programs.

                                Infrastructure Development and Construction

  • Public Works: Supervise the construction, repair, and maintenance of roads, bridges, culverts, and public buildings under the Panchayat's jurisdiction.

  • Minor Irrigation: Plan and implement minor irrigation projects and the rejuvenation of local canals/waterbodies for agricultural purposes.

                                 Industry and Energy

  • Small-Scale Industries: Promote rural, handloom, khadi, and cottage industries to generate local employment opportunities.

  • Energy and Power: Lead initiatives for installing streetlights and promoting non-conventional energy sources such as solar power and biogas.

                                 Planning and Development

  •  Project Formulation: Prepare and shape development projects to be included in the Panchayat's Annual Plans.

  • Data Collection: Conduct various surveys and gather statistics to identify and address the development needs of the Panchayat.

 

The Standing Committee for Welfare is another highly socially committed and vital committee in Kerala's Grama Panchayats. An elected member of the Panchayat serves as the Chairperson of this committee.

This committee primarily focuses on ensuring the welfare and upliftment of the backward and vulnerable sections of society. Here is a summary of its key duties:

                                             SC/ST Development

  • Welfare Schemes: Plan and implement projects aimed at the educational, economic, and social advancement of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).

  • Prevention of Exploitation: Take necessary measures to prevent any form of exploitation or harassment against these communities.

                                          Women and Child Welfare

  • Women Empowerment: Promote special projects and self-employment ventures for women and children (for example, initiatives driven through Kudumbashree).

  • Anganwadis: Supervise the functioning of Anganwadis in the Panchayat, including the proper distribution of nutritional supplements.

                                           Protection of Vulnerable Sections

  • Social Security Pensions: Ensure that welfare pensions for the elderly, widows, persons with disabilities, and unmarried women reach the eligible beneficiaries accurately and on time.

  • Disability Welfare: Implement rehabilitation programs and oversee the distribution of assistive devices/aids for persons with disabilities.

  • Elderly Care: Organize day-care homes (Pakal Veedukal), counseling, and healthcare programs tailored for senior citizens.

                                            Poverty Alleviation

  • Housing Schemes: Identify eligible beneficiaries for housing schemes like the Life Mission project for the homeless and supervise the progress of house construction.

  • Social Assets & Livelihood: Find and create sustainable employment and livelihood opportunities to raise the standard of living for the underprivileged.

     

The Standing Committee for Health and Education is another vital committee that closely impacts the daily lives of people in Kerala's Grama Panchayats. An elected member of the Panchayat serves as the Chairperson of this committee.

This committee primarily focuses on ensuring public health, quality education, and proper sanitation. Here is a summary of its key duties:

                                          Public Health and Medical Care

  • Health Institutions: Supervise the functioning and development of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Family Health Centres (FHCs), and government hospitals under the Panchayat.

  • Disease Prevention: Plan and implement preventive measures against infectious diseases, organize vaccination drives, and conduct health awareness classes.

  • Availability of Medicines: Ensure the adequate supply of essential medicines and other treatment facilities in local government hospitals.

                                        Protection of Public Education

  • School Management: Lead the administration and physical infrastructure development of government primary and upper primary schools within the Panchayat limits.

  • Educational Quality: Formulate projects to improve academic standards, including the development of computer labs and library facilities in schools.

  • Noon Meal Scheme: Ensure that the school midday meal program is conducted regularly, hygienically, and efficiently.

                                      Sanitation and Waste Management

  • Waste Disposal: Supervise the cleanliness of public spaces, coordinate the activities of the Haritha Karma Sena (HKS), and plan projects for the disposal of plastic and other waste materials.

  • Safe Drinking Water: Protect local drinking water sources from contamination and ensure the distribution of clean drinking water to the public.

                                        Arts, Sports, and Cultural Activities

  • Sports Development: Manage the construction, maintenance, and protection of playgrounds and public parks within the Panchayat, and promote sports competitions.

  • Cultural Promotion: Oversee the functioning of public libraries and local cultural centers.