Karnataka Launches Pre-Marital Counselling Program to Reduce Family Disputes

Bengaluru, India Aug 13, 2026 ALN: Bengaluru: In an initiative aimed at promoting healthier family relationships and reducing marital disputes and divorce cases, Karnataka has launched a pre-marital communication and counselling programme, ‘Tere Mere Saath – Koodi Baalona’, across 178 Santwana Kendras and family counselling and support centres in the State.

The initiative, said to be the first of its kind in Karnataka, has been launched by the Department of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Karnataka State Commission for Women (KSCW). An MoU has been signed between the government and the two commissions for its implementation. This partnership underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach in addressing the complexities of modern relationships, particularly in a rapidly changing social landscape.

Launching the programme on Monday, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh emphasized the rapidly changing social environment, which has made it increasingly important for young people to develop emotional maturity, mutual respect, and healthy communication before entering into marriage. The growing complexities of modern relationships often require individuals to possess a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, which this programme aims to foster. This recognition of the need for emotional intelligence and communication skills is essential in a world where traditional norms are being challenged and redefined.

The pre-marital communication and counselling centres will seek to equip prospective couples with essential life skills and help them better understand the responsibilities and challenges of married and family life. This initiative is particularly relevant in a society where traditional views on marriage are evolving, and where couples may face pressures from both familial expectations and societal norms. The programme aims not only to prepare individuals for the institution of marriage but also to instill a sense of partnership and shared responsibility that is crucial in contemporary relationships.

Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary elaborated that the counselling sessions would cover a wide range of issues, including mutual understanding, effective communication, emotional preparedness, resolving differences, financial planning, gender equality, and mutual respect. These topics are critical as they address both the emotional and practical aspects of marriage, aiming to create a well-rounded understanding among couples. By addressing these fundamental issues, the programme aspires to lay a strong foundation for future families, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflicts that can arise from misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

“Sharing responsibilities, financial management, and building a gender-sensitive family system will be among the key areas covered. Medical examination of both the prospective bride and groom will also form part of the programme,” she said. This holistic approach not only prepares couples for the emotional journey of marriage but also ensures that they are physically and financially ready to embark on this new phase of life. The inclusion of medical examinations is particularly noteworthy, as it emphasizes the importance of health in the overall well-being of the family unit and acknowledges that physical health can significantly impact emotional and relational dynamics.

The initiative aims to help young couples deal with day-to-day family issues with greater maturity and prevent minor differences from escalating into serious family disputes. In a context where divorce rates have been on the rise, particularly in urban areas, this proactive measure seeks to tackle potential issues before they develop into larger conflicts. The emphasis on early intervention is critical, as it can lead to long-term benefits not only for the couples involved but also for the broader community, as stable families contribute to social cohesion and economic stability.

Five counsellors from each of the selected family counselling and support centres are being trained in pre-marital communication and counselling methods. After completing the training, they will provide counselling services to young men and women preparing for marriage. The training will focus on equipping counsellors with the necessary skills to address the unique needs of couples in today’s diverse social landscape. This investment in training professionals reflects a commitment to providing quality support and guidance, ensuring that couples receive the best possible preparation for their marital journey.

Anganwadi workers will also be involved in spreading awareness about the programme and reaching out to prospective beneficiaries. This grassroots approach is essential, as it ensures that information about the programme reaches a wider audience, particularly in rural areas where access to such services may be limited. The government is also planning to develop a helpline system to ensure that counselling and guidance can be made available promptly to those seeking assistance, thereby enhancing the accessibility of these services. Accessibility is a key factor in the success of such initiatives, as it ensures that all segments of the population, regardless of socio-economic status, can benefit from the programme.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar noted that Karnataka had emerged as one of the largest implementing States under the initiative with the addition of the 178 centres. This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the importance of pre-marital counselling as a means to foster healthier relationships and reduce the incidence of family disputes. The establishment of such a comprehensive network of support centres demonstrates a proactive stance towards addressing the challenges faced by modern couples and signifies a shift in societal attitudes towards the importance of preparation for marriage.

She stated that counsellors had already been trained at more than 285 centres across 16 States and Union Territories, indicating a national push towards addressing marital issues through preventive measures. A booklet containing guidelines for conducting the pre-marital counselling programme has also been provided to the counsellors, ensuring that they have a structured framework to follow. This national initiative highlights a broader understanding of the necessity for pre-marital support, suggesting that other regions may look to Karnataka's model as a blueprint for their own programmes.

Officials said the larger objective of the initiative is to encourage prospective couples to enter marriage with better communication, emotional preparedness, financial awareness, and a clearer understanding of shared responsibilities. By focusing on these areas, the programme aims to help reduce family conflicts and divorce cases, contributing to the overall stability of families and communities. This holistic approach reflects a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to marital success, recognizing that preparation extends beyond mere compatibility to encompass a range of practical and emotional considerations.

The implications of this initiative extend beyond individual couples. By fostering stronger family units, the programme could potentially lead to improved mental health outcomes for individuals within these families, as well as a reduction in the societal costs associated with family breakdowns, such as legal disputes and social welfare needs. Moreover, the emphasis on gender equality and shared responsibilities may contribute to shifting societal norms around marriage and family life, promoting a more equitable environment for future generations. This progressive outlook aligns with broader societal movements towards equality and mutual respect, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of partnership in marriage.

As the programme rolls out, it will be crucial to monitor its effectiveness and gather feedback from participants to refine the approach and ensure that it meets the needs of couples in Karnataka. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states looking to implement similar programmes aimed at strengthening family relationships and reducing the prevalence of marital disputes. The potential for replication of this model in other regions underscores the importance of sharing best practices and learning from successful initiatives, paving the way for a more supportive environment for couples across the country.