Nari Adalat Program, Objective, Structure, Implementation

The Nari Adalat Program was launched in 2023 with an aim to empower women by providing an alternative to dispute resolution mechanisms at ground levels. The scheme will address issues faced by women in their communities. In 2025, the government has introduced some new changes in the Nari Adalat scheme. 

Nari Adalat Program

The Nari Adalat Program also known as “Women’s Court” is a sub-scheme of “Sambhal” of Mission Shakti introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The scheme provides women with an alternative grievance redressal mechanism at Gram Panchayat Level. Petty issues like subversion, harassment and curtailment of rights are some of the issues that can be discussed at these courts through methods like mediation, reconciliation, negotiation and mutual consent. At Present, 50 gram panchayats are running the Nari Adalat scheme in Assam and J&K.

Nari Adalat Program Objectives

The objective of Nari Adalat Program is to provide help and support to women through dispute resolution platforms within the community. The objectives of the program include:

• Provides an alternative dispute mechanism without depending on formal legal proceedings. 
• Spread awareness about the schemes related to women and their legal rights. 
• Provides a supportive environment for women through community participation. 
• Nari Adalat scheme allows minor disputes to be resolved at community level by reducing the burden on formal judicial systems. 

Nari Adalat Program Structure

The Nari Adalat Program initiates the formation of Nyaya Sakhis, composed of 7 to 11 members. This committee includes: 

• Elected Members: Members of Gram Panchayat constitute half the members of Nyaya Sakhi committee. 
• Nominated Members: the Villagers nominate the remaining doctors. These people can be anyone with a social standing like a doctor or a teacher or a social worker. 
• The head of this committee is Mukhya Nyaya Sakhi, who acts on this position for a six month term. 

Nari Adalat Implementation

The Nari Adalat Program is being implemented in phases under Mission Shakti.It was initially launched in the states of Assam and Jammu & Kashmir.The scheme is being implemented in collaboration with:

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Ministry of Rural Development
• Common Service Centers (CSCs) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Currently, the program is active in 50 gram panchayats in each state, starting as a pilot initiative in 2023.For the 2023-24 period, both states received an allocation of over ₹20 lakh each to support the program’s implementation.

Nari Adalat Vs Regular Courts

While regular courts adhere to formal legal procedures, which can be time-consuming and daunting for many women, Nari Adalats provide an informal, community-based platform for dispute resolution. The key differences include:

• Accessibility: Situated within the community, Nari Adalats are easily reachable for women in rural areas.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Operating without legal fees, they offer an affordable path to justice.
• Timely Resolution: Disputes are settled more swiftly compared to the often prolonged legal proceedings in regular courts.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Being community-driven, Nari Adalats consider local customs and norms, ensuring culturally relevant solutions.

However, it is important to note that Nari Adalats do not hold legal authority and primarily function through mediation and reconciliation.

Mission Shakti 

Mission Shakti launched by the Government of India as an integrated women empowerment program. The scheme has been framed to address issues like security, safety and empowerment of women. The scheme can be subdivided into two more schemes: 

1. Sambhal: safety and security of women is prioritised including: 
   • One stop centres 
   • Women helplines 
   • Nari Adalat 
   • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 
2. Samarthya: Focus on women empowerment. Includes:
   • Palna
   • Shakti Sadan
   • Sakhi Niwas
   • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
   • Hub for Empowerment of Women