QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ROLE OF THE NYAYAMITRA AND KACHAHASRI SACHIV

QUESTIONS REGARDING THE ROLE OF THE NYAYAMITRA AND KACHAHASRI SACHIV

17-MARCH-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------With the objective of strengthening the justice system at the Panchayat level, the Government of Bihar has appointed *Nyayamitras* (Friends of Justice) and *Kachahari Sachivs* (Court Secretaries) to work in coordination with the *Sarpanch* (Village Head). The aim of this initiative was to resolve minor disputes within villages at the local level itself, thereby sparing people the need to make repeated rounds of police stations and courts in their quest for justice.

However, the reality is that in most Panchayats, the actual role played by individuals holding these two positions remains largely unclear. Villagers continue to wander from place to place in search of solutions for their minor issues. In many areas, people are not even aware of the specific responsibilities assigned to the *Nyayamitra* and *Kachahari Sachiv* within the Panchayat, nor do they know how these officials can assist them.

If proper accountability were established for these positions and their work subjected to regular oversight, the justice system at the Panchayat level could be significantly strengthened. This would enable villagers to access justice that is affordable, accessible, and expeditious—a fundamental requirement of any democratic system.

Therefore, it is imperative that the government and the administration maintain a serious and vigilant watch over the performance of the individuals occupying these posts. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure that they play an active role within the Panchayats, so that the very objective for which they were appointed is genuinely realized on the ground.