-: Raigad-District :-
Maharashtra occupies a prominent place in India, for it is one of the largest States with a population in the range of 12 crore. It is very sensitive state with complex problems and has people belonging to various religions and caste. In this Multi cultured scenario the number of disputes is also very large. Several such disputes, including civil and criminal, continue to be pending for long time. Most disputes in villages arise out of minor conflict, land related problems, cattle grazing, cremation grounds etc. If they are not taken cognizance of promptly, they can assume serious dimensions and may even degenerate into violent confrontations. In order to ensure that petty disputes do not transform into larger issues, the Government of Maharashtra has decided to launch Mahatma Gandhi Dispute Free Village Mission in the state from 15th August 2007.
Mahatma Gandhi Dispute free villages mission, a novel experiment will definitely decrease the number of pending cases in the judiciaries. This entire Missionary Project of Mahatma Gandhi – Dispute Free Village Mission is conducted by police officials, Police Jawans and active participation of common man. Under this mission Raigad Police formed its own Raigad Pattern and amicably settled 12642 court pending criminal cases out of 16325 within Seven months period.
This pending cases/disputes resolved without any help of Advocates, Lawyers, Judges or any judicial personnel. Villagers came together, collected the data and amicably settled the pending cases in thousands of numbers. Also there is marginal decreased in serious crime by 386, decreased in non-cognizable offences by 1872, decreased in Applications of Public Grievances by 168, compromised in chapter cases (Cr.P.C.107) by 60.07 % & in property crimes by 116. There is no any communal riots registered after implementation of Mission. Voluntary Police assistance to water harvesting by building 2345 Vanrai dam with the help of villagers and Raigad Zilla Parishad without any single penny help/grant from Government. Out of 1710 villages 1038 villages in the district are totally free from illicit liquor.
This notion will enhance the progress of villagers, as one has to find the solution to his problem. This movement engages citizens for public awareness, brotherlyhood, confidence, courage, leadership qualities and psychological empowerment are the fruits of the scheme, which will lead the masses for common social progress.