The Ministry of Women and Child Development has invited proposals from states to expand the Nari Adalat initiative, currently piloted in Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, to more regions. The scheme aims to provide local-level dispute resolution for women under Mission Shakti, ensuring access to justice and empowerment.

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• Nari Adalat operates at the Gram Panchayat level, resolving women’s grievances.
• Comprises 7-11 ‘Nyaya Sakhis’ (justice friends) nominated by the Gram Panchayat.
• Pilot scheme began in 2023 in 50 panchayats each in Assam & J&K.
• 1062 meetings held, 497 cases registered as of Dec 2024.
• Government allocated ₹20 lakh each to Assam & J&K for implementation.
• Part of Mission Shakti, a 2021-26 umbrella scheme for women’s safety & empowerment.
• Falls under Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for faster, community-driven justice.
• ADR offers a cost-effective, time-saving alternative to traditional courts.
• Complements existing Lok Adalats, which provide binding legal resolutions.
• Government push for expansion aims at reducing legal case backlog and ensuring grassroots justice.