CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Karnataka will offer free premarital counselling to strengthen communication, trust and family relationships.
Karnataka Chief Secretary Dr Shalini Rajneesh on Monday announced the implementation of the ‘Tere-Mere Sapne – Koodi Baalona’ premarital communication programme across 178 Santhwana Centres. The initiative, jointly undertaken by the Karnataka government and National Commission for Women (NCW), seeks to prepare young couples for married life through emotional, financial and practical guidance.
Speaking at a counsellors’ training programme at Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Rajneesh said premarital emotional preparedness and mutual respect were essential in today’s changing social environment.
“Free counselling through 178 centres will help strengthen families by promoting mutual understanding, emotional preparedness and responsible communication.”
The centres will guide couples on communication, financial planning, sharing responsibilities, life skills and resolving family issues. The programme also aims to prevent conflicts and promote gender-sensitive family relationships.
An MoU was signed between NCW, the Women and Child Development Department and Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSWC). NCW will provide training modules and certify master trainers, while the WCD Department will operate the centres. KSWC will create awareness and coordinate implementation.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said communication and trust were the foundation of strong families. Karnataka’s 178 centres make it one of the largest states implementing the initiative.
The initiative will provide prospective couples professional guidance before marriage on emotional preparedness, communication, financial management and sharing responsibilities. Counsellors will help couples understand each other, address everyday family concerns and resolve disagreements constructively. The programme also seeks to prevent avoidable conflicts and encourage gender-sensitive relationships. NCW is supporting similar initiatives across 16 States and Union Territories, covering more than 285 centres nationally under its guidance.