With the fundamental objective of realizing “Resolution through Dialogue, Dignity through Mediation, and the Creation of an Empowered Society through Harmony,” under the inspiring leadership of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble High Court of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur, and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice of the High Court of Chhattisgarh and Patron-in-Chief, Chhattisgarh State Legal Services Authority, Bilaspur, the District Legal Services Authority, Durg, in pursuance of the effective implementation of the “Community Mediation Towards a Litigation-Free Rural India” Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), 2026, issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, inaugurated the Five-Day Community Mediation Training Programme, being conducted from 25 July 2026 to 29 July 2026, with a grand inaugural ceremony held today at the New Auditorium on the Fourth Floor of the District & Sessions Court, Durg (Chhattisgarh).
Community Mediation is a historic and public welfare initiative aimed at strengthening social harmony, mutual goodwill, and the culture of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in rural India. Its objective is to ensure the peaceful settlement of social, family, neighbourhood, land-related, and other community disputes through mutual dialogue, consensus, and an atmosphere of harmony before such disputes reach the courts.
Mr. Umesh Kumar Bhagwatkar, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Durg, informed that, under the guidance of Mr. K. Vinod Kujur, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Durg, the District Legal Services Authority has selected five villages—Ghughsidih, Nankatthi, Arasnara, Nikum, and Kuthrel—with the resolve of building a “Litigation-Free Rural India.” A total of 15 Community Mediators, selected from these villages, are participating in the training programme. They will receive comprehensive training from Potential Trainers on the entire process of Community Mediation, its practical aspects, and various dispute resolution skills. Upon completion of the training, these Community Mediators will play a significant role in strengthening the culture of dialogue and mediation in their respective villages and in ensuring the amicable and effective resolution of minor disputes.
For the successful conduct and effective implementation of the aforesaid programme, a dedicated Coordination Committee has also been constituted, comprising Mrs. Sushma Lakra, Chairperson, Permanent and Continuous Lok Adalat; Mr. Bhupesh Kumar Basant, Chief Judicial Magistrate; Mr. Umesh Kumar Bhagwatkar, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Durg; Ms. Muskan Sharma, Civil Judge (Junior Division); and Mr. Pankaj Sharma. The Committee shall provide continuous guidance and necessary support for the smooth conduct, coordination, and effective implementation of all activities of the training programme.
This ambitious and public welfare initiative has also received the valuable and commendable contribution of the District Bar Association, Durg, towards its successful organization. The active cooperation being extended by the Bar Association will prove to be extremely significant in taking Community Mediation to every section of society and in ensuring easy and accessible access to justice.
It is noteworthy that, in order to make this ambitious initiative a success, the District Legal Services Authority, Durg has adopted a Multi-Sectoral Approach. Under this approach, active cooperation is being obtained not only from the Revenue Department, Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Health Department, Women and Child Development Department, Veterinary Department, and other departmental administrative officers, but also from the faculty members and students of the law colleges situated in District Durg, namely Surana Law College, Bharti Law College, Kalyan Law College, and Shankaracharya Law College. In addition, the participation of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), local public representatives, Panchayat office-bearers, and social workers will also transform this campaign into a people’s movement.
