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Raipur: In the rapidly changing social structure, the complexities of relationships are also bringing new challenges. Often the pain that grows within the walls of the house, whether it is the neglect of an elder or the mental stress of a man, remains unheard, but the fort of Chhattisgarh has shown a new way to give voice to this silence. The gender-balanced counseling system started in Durg district has today emerged as an inclusive model of family dispute resolution, the echo of which is now being heard at the national level.

Inclusive counseling platform formed from women's police station

The Family Counseling Center of Mahila Police Station located in Sector-6, which was earlier limited mainly to complaints of women, has now become a comprehensive social platform. Here the problems of women as well as men and senior citizens are being heard with equal seriousness and sensitivity. Started in accordance with the instructions of the High Court, this center expanded its scope with time. Keeping in view the changing family equations and new nature of disputes, gender-balanced counseling was implemented so that every party can get the opportunity of a fair and balanced hearing.

Appointment of male counselor became an important link

The most important link of this initiative is the appointment of male counselors. In the last few years, it has become clear that men are also reaching counseling centers struggling with mental, financial and marital stress. In such a situation, this step is proving to be very effective in understanding their point of view and maintaining a balanced approach.

Government support and initiative appreciated

Describing this initiative as the need of the hour, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said that through counselling-based solutions, disputes can be resolved at the initial level, thereby strengthening harmony and social stability in families. According to Durg SSP Vijay Aggarwal, the process of dialogue and consultation is proving effective in stopping the growing disputes between husband and wife before they become serious. This model is not only reducing disputes but is also saving families from breaking up.

Special initiative of 'Senior Citizen Support Bench'

Another important achievement of this system is the formation of 'Senior Citizen Support Bench'. This special unit consists of retired officers, psychologists and social workers, who listen to the cases related to the elderly with sensitivity. The complaints coming here present a serious picture of the society. Incidents like harassment by son and daughter-in-law, pressure for property, forcibly sending them to old age homes, beatings for not paying for liquor, depriving them of food and throwing them out of the house are now coming to light.

Statistics tell the story of success

So far, about 200 complaints have been registered at this centre, out of which about 130 cases have been successfully resolved. These figures not only reflect the success of this initiative but also show how effective communication and sensitive interventions can be at the right time. Durg's 'counselling-first' model is considered to be the first initiative of its kind in states like Chhattisgarh, which has given a new direction to family dispute resolution. While the traditional and one-sided approach still dominates in many states, Durg has developed a balanced model of listening to women, men and elders equally on one platform.

An example is being set at the national level

This dialogue based system is not only resolving the disputes in time, but is also saving families from breaking up. That is why this initiative is now emerging as an effective example at the national level, which other states are also looking towards adopting.