Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Jun 26: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged Panchayats, Mamlatdars and Deputy Collectors to refer disputes that can be resolved amicably to the newly launched 'Jansaathi – Centre for Dispute Resolution', with an initial focus on cases pending at the Panchayat and Deputy Collector levels.

Speaking after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Goa government and the Jansaathi – Centre for Dispute Resolution at V M Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, Sawant said faster mediation would help save time and litigation costs while contributing to the state's overall happiness index.

He said the initiative aims to encourage amicable settlements before disputes reach the courts, thereby reducing the burden on the judicial system and ensuring quicker justice for citizens.

The newly established centre will focus on facilitating pre-litigation settlements, particularly in village and land-related disputes. It will also organise mediation awareness programmes and training sessions for Panchayat representatives and local administrative officials to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms across the state.