Health And Education Standing Committee

The Health and Education Standing Committee is one of the key Standing Committees constituted to streamline administration in Grama Panchayats, which are the local self-government institutions in Kerala. This committee leads activities and plans initiatives related to public health, education, general sanitation, and social welfare within the panchayat.

1. Key Responsibilities and Key Operational Areas The activities of this committee can be broadly categorized into four sections:

Public Health
- Supervision of Health Centers: Evaluate functions and upgrade physical infrastructure of Primary Health Centers (PHC), Family Health Centers (FHC), and Government Ayurveda/Homeo Dispensaries under the panchayat.
- Preventive Measures: Plan epidemic prevention drives, mosquito eradication, and "Dry Day" observances in coordination with the Health Department.
- Awareness Campaigns: Organize specialized camps and classes to foster health awareness among the public.
Education
- School Infrastructure: Upgrade physical facilities (buildings, restrooms, drinking water) in Government and Aided Primary and Upper Primary schools within the panchayat limits.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Ensure the mid-day meal scheme in schools functions regularly and maintains quality standards.
- Academic Standards: Prevent student dropouts, provide digital learning facilities, and prepare special support initiatives for academically backward students.
Public Sanitation & Environment
- Waste Management: Oversee operations of the Haritha Karma Sena, source-level waste management projects, and waste disposal in public areas.
- Clean Water Supply: Protect drinking water sources from contamination and streamline safe water distribution.
- Inspections: Conduct inspections in hotels and commercial establishments to ensure proper hygiene.
Social Welfare, Arts & Culture
- Anganwadis: Monitor the performance of local Anganwadis to ensure timely nutritional support for pregnant women and children.
- Libraries: Improve the functioning of public libraries and reading rooms.
- Sports: Encourage local clubs and facilitate playgrounds.

2. Committee Structure

Members: Members are elected from among the ward members of the Grama Panchayat governing body using proportional representation. A panchayat member can serve on only one standing committee.
Women Representation: The committee must mandatorily include at least one woman member.
Chairman/Chairperson: Elected committee members choose one among themselves as the Chairman/Chairperson, which holds significant official standing in the panchayat.
Ex-Officio Member: The Panchayat President serves as an ex-officio member across all standing committees without voting rights.
Convener: An official from a primary concerned department (e.g., the Medical Officer) serves as the executive officer or Convener of the committee.

3. Decision-Making & Implementation The Health and Education Standing Committee deliberates on issues within its scope to draft recommendations and project plans. However, it does not possess independent financial spending powers or authority to execute decisions autonomously.

Draft recommendations must be submitted to the full Panchayat Governing Body (General Body) during its next meeting. Projects can only be allocated funds and executed after obtaining official approval from the Panchayat Governing Body.

Vellavoor Grama Panchayat Health and Education Standing Committee

Chairperson

Mamber

Member

Official