File photo of Nitish Kumar.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on stressed on resolving disputes at local level in 'gram kachhaharis' with the assistance of police, and said 'Nyay Mitras' have been appointed to assist the sarpanches and deputy sarpanches on legal issues.
Addressing the newly-elected sarpanches and deputy sarpanches, he said 'gram kachhahari' has the "legal power under different sections" to help resolve petty disputes at the local level.
"Superintendents of Police would be directed to transfer matters which fall under the jurisdiction of gram kachhaharis and direct the local police stations to provide assistance in resolving such cases," an official statement said.
'Nyay Mitras' have been appointed to assist the sarpanches and deputy sarpanches on legal issues. In addition to speedy disposal of such cases, it would also reduce the burden on police stations, Mr Kumar said.
Training programmes should be organised for sarpanches and deputy sarpanches to make them aware about the rights of 'gram kachhaharis', he said, and asked the newly-elected representatives to take an oath that they would not consume liquor and also educate people to shun alcohol.
Panchayati Raj minister Kapildeo Kamat, Law minister Krishnandan Prasad Verma, Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh and state police chief PK Thakur were present on the occasion.