CM launches ‘Nari Adalat’

PAKYONG, (IPR): Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay launched Nari Adalat under Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyanjan department, Government of Sikkim at Rangpo ground on the occasion of first Amma Samman Diwas on Sunday.

Nari Adalat is a community-based forum run by women to provide accessible and informal justice, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of Sikkim. It is part of the “Sambal” sub-scheme under Mission Shakti, a programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. The idea behind Nari Adalat is to empower women to address disputes and social issues that directly affect them, without having to depend entirely on the formal court system.

The primary aim of Nari Adalat is to offer a supportive, non-intimidating environment where conflicts can be resolved locally. It focuses on minor disputes such as family disagreements, non-severe domestic violence cases, marital issues, property conflicts within families, child custody and maintenance matters, harassment, dowry-related problems, and other issues concerning women’s rights. By operating at the community level, it ensures that justice is quicker, free of cost, and sensitive to local realities.

A key feature of Nari Adalat is that it is led entirely by women, often including members of Self-Help Groups, trained social workers, and local women leaders. It is not a formal court but an alternative dispute resolution platform. People can bring their grievances without needing lawyers or paying court fees. The process involves receiving complaints, holding hearings within the village, listening to both sides, offering counselling and mediation, and, if possible, reaching a resolution that both parties agree to.

Unlike regular courts, which involve formal legal procedures, official judges, and lengthy processes, Nari Adalat works in a flexible and dialogue-based manner. Its focus is not only on resolving disputes but also on restoring harmony within the community. This approach strengthens women leadership, builds trust in local governance, and promotes gender equality by ensuring that women play a central role in decision-making processes that affect their lives.