Tripura to Pilot Nari Adalat in 10 Panchayats

The Tripura government has approved the rollout of the Centre’s Nari Adalat scheme as a pilot initiative across 10 selected gram panchayats spanning all eight districts of the state. The decision, taken by the council of ministers, seeks to strengthen grassroots mechanisms for addressing women’s social issues and ensuring timely redressal of grievances.

Grassroots Arbitration for Women

The Nari Adalat scheme, spearheaded by the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment, is designed as a panchayat-level arbitration forum. It aims to handle cases of violence, abuse and other atrocities against women within the community framework.

The model focuses on early intervention and counselling, while facilitating prompt police action in cases requiring legal enforcement. By situating the forum at the village level, the scheme intends to make justice delivery more accessible and less intimidating for women.

Structure and Functioning of Nari Adalats

Each Nari Adalat will comprise a committee of up to nine members chosen for their social standing and credibility within the community. The members will provide counselling, mediation and support to women facing adversity.

The village-level courts are expected to function as platforms for dispute resolution and grievance redressal. The state government views the pilot as an opportunity to assess effectiveness before expanding the initiative statewide.

Coverage Across Eight Districts

The pilot will cover gram panchayats across all eight districts of Tripura, ensuring balanced geographical representation. The government expects the initiative to build community involvement and strengthen local governance structures.

Beyond dispute resolution, the scheme is also seen as part of a broader effort to create a supportive ecosystem for students and young people by promoting awareness, confidence and access to institutional help.

Important Facts for Exams

• Nari Adalat is an initiative of the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment.
• It functions as a panchayat-level alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
• The scheme focuses on cases related to violence and social injustices against women.
• Community-based mediation complements formal legal and police systems.

Potential Model for Wider Replication

If successful, the pilot is expected to serve as a template for expansion across Tripura and potentially other states. By embedding dispute resolution mechanisms within local self-governance institutions, the government aims to enhance access to justice for women in rural areas.

The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to promote gender equity, decentralised governance and community-led social reform, reinforcing the role of panchayats as instruments of social transformation.