Local bodies in Kerala are set to undergo performance ranking in the state based on a set of criteria which would include the performance of Jagratha Samithis at different levels, says Sri. MB Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Government. He was inaugurating a two-day workshop on Jagratha Samithis jointly organised by the Inter University Centre for Social Science Research and Extension (IUCSSRE), Mahatma Gandhi University, and Kerala Institute for Local Administration (KILA) at Kumily YMCA Hall. The Minister said that women’s security is at the core of deepening democracy in our society. It’s high time Jagratha Samithis played a pro-active role at the micro social level in accelerating women’s empowerment, at a time of increasing atrocities on women and children. However, the Minister reminded that Jagratha Samithis should not function as a mere negotiating agency to settle all cases. Rather they should facilitate the criminal cases to be properly handled by police and courts that demand legal remedies. Kerala, which is proud of its high performance in human development index cannot lag behind in women’s security. Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Joy Elamon, Director General, KILA, said that women’s collectivities such as Kudumbashree played a major role in the empowerment task and Jagratha Samithis cannot shy away from exercising their responsibility in ensuring women’s security.
MG University Pro Vice Chancellor Dr CT Aravindakumar chaired the session. Dean Kuriakose, MP, Presidents of Jilla, Block and Grama Panchayats and others spoke. Dr. KM Seethi, Director, IUCSSRE welcomed. Sri. Madan Mohan, CEO of Kerala Grama Panchayat Association delivered the introductory lecture on Friday. Dr Amrita, KILA, Dr. Amritharaj, Elizebath Abraham, Mrs Usha, President, Grama Panchayath Association, Mrs. Radhamony, MS Vasu, Adv. CS Kala and others spoke at different sessions.
