The role of community mediators in resolving social disputes has gained significant recognition in recent times. In a bid to address social conflicts swiftly, the Chief Justice of the State High Court, Justice Alok Aradhe, expressed his desire to actively involve community mediators in the resolution process. Building on the successful implementation of community mediation systems in Indore, Madhya Pradesh in 2021, the pilot project was extended to the districts of Nizamabad, Kamareddy, and Ummadi in Telangana.
The Community Mediation System aims to bridge the gap between various social groups by providing a platform for community mediators (volunteers) to facilitate resolution in a manner that is acceptable to all parties involved. Justice Aradhe emphasized the importance of this initiative in achieving prompt resolution of social disputes and family conflicts. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness and time-saving benefits of community mediation, along with the hope that it would foster peace and harmony in society.
The training sessions for community mediators, conducted in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority and the State Legal Services Authority, commenced at the Community Mediation Centers in Nizamabad district court premises. Justices Sujoy Pal, K. Surendar, and J. Srinivas Rao were actively involved in overseeing the training program, which is scheduled to run for three days until the 24th of this month.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice Alok Aradhe stressed the importance of community mediators in resolving social disputes, family issues, and other conflicts through mediation. He commended the volunteers for their dedication to establishing Community Mediation Centers in their respective regions and encouraged them to approach dispute resolution with a positive mindset. The success of the program hinges on the active participation and commitment of community mediators in facilitating amicable resolutions to disputes.
The program featured resource persons such as retired Sessions Judge Mohammad Shameem, Member Secretary of the State Legal Services Authority Panchakshari, Sessions Judge Sunitha Kunchala from Nizamabad district, Sessions Judge V.R.R. Varaprasad from Kamareddy, District Collector Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu, Police Commissioner Kalmeshwar Singhanwar, and other judicial officials. Community volunteers from two districts actively participated in the training sessions, demonstrating their readiness to contribute to the success of the Community Mediation System.
In conclusion, the Community Mediation System holds great promise in resolving social disputes and promoting harmony within communities. With the support and dedication of community mediators, this initiative has the potential to bring about positive change and foster peaceful coexistence among diverse social groups. The active involvement of all stakeholders, including judicial authorities, government officials, and community volunteers, is crucial in ensuring the success of the program and achieving its objectives.