12 villages show the way in solving rows, fighting graft

PANVEL: A group of 12 villages from New Panvel has decided to set an example by taking part in the Mahatma Gandhi Tantamukt Gaon Mohim (Mahatma Gandhi dispute-free village mission) in 2012 and 2013 to curb crimes and resolve pending disputes at the village-level through the participation of villagers.

The gram sabhas ( village assembly) of Morbe, Poyanje, Kelvane, Sai, Palebudruk, Nere, Karnala, Barvai, Valap, Umroli, Kasalkhand, Kanpoli villages falling under the jurisdiction of the New Panvel police station have approved the proposal to participate in the alternative dispute resolution scheme.

The scheme was launched by home minister RR Patil in 2007 to deal with the large number of pending cases in courts across the state.

As per the scheme, a tantamukt samiti (dispute redressal committee) has been formed in the participating villages to sort out disputes and prevent them from becoming crimes. The samiti has been making efforts to resolve the disputes at vil- lage-level by getting villagers involved. Senior police inspector of New Panvel police station Sunil Bazare and police inspector (crime branch) Adhikrao Pol, beat constable and an official of crime branch will also volunteer their time for the initiative.

The mission has helped create strong sense of security, unity, social bonds among villagers irrespective of caste, creed and religion, locals said. It has also helped ensure transparency in the functioning of police and made them more approachable to people.

Bazare said, “The move will help reduce corruption and preventing illegal business at the village level. Taking into account the benefits of the Mahatma Gandhi Tantamukt Goan Mohim, we have stepped up our efforts to rope in all the villages of New Panvel.