Gorakhpur’s Bahu-Beti Sammelan: How Preventive Policing Is Empowering Rural Women and Girls Across Eastern Uttar Pradesh

Once a week, usually on Sunday, a unique community gathering unfolds across the villages of eastern Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur region.

Whether under the shade of a tree, inside a village council hall, or in an open field arranged with rows of chairs, women and adolescent girls come together in large numbers to participate in meaningful conversations.

Unlike a conventional police meeting, no formal complaints are being filed or investigations underway.

Yet the discussions revolve around issues that often lie at the root of criminal cases—domestic abuse, dowry-related pressure, alcohol addiction within families, and restrictions on women’s financial independence.

Known as the Bahu-Beti Sammelan, the initiative is designed as a preventive policing effort aimed at identifying and addressing women’s concerns before they escalate into legal disputes or crimes.

When the programme was first launched, its primary focus was on newly married women who were dealing with domestic tensions, harassment, and dowry-related challenges.

Over time, however, authorities recognised that teenage girls were facing their own set of vulnerabilities, including early marriages, relationship-related pressures, and the absence of supportive spaces where they could openly share their concerns.

According to Mutha Ashok Jain, Additional Director General (ADG), Gorakhpur Zone, the initiative originally began as the Bahu Sammelan before being expanded to include young girls.

“We record nearly 300 dowry-related deaths every year across the zone. Many young brides suffering from harassment have no one to confide in or seek guidance from,” Jain explained.

He noted that the decision to include daughters and adolescent girls stemmed from repeated observations that many were becoming involved in cases of elopement or entering relationships without adequate guidance, awareness, or support mechanisms.

Jain said the programme was conceptualised at the zonal level under the leadership of the Gorakhpur Police and was later incorporated into the government’s Mission Shakti campaign to broaden its reach and impact.

The format of the gatherings is intentionally simple and carefully structured. Men are not permitted to participate in the discussion space. The sessions are conducted exclusively by women police personnel and attended only by female residents of the village.

“In many rural communities, women rarely have a secure environment where they can express themselves freely. These meetings are meant to provide a platform where they can communicate openly, learn about their rights, and develop confidence without outside pressure,” Jain said.

At the grassroots level, the programme is implemented by officers such as Deputy Superintendent of Police Saroj Sharma in neighbouring Sant Kabir Nagar district.

Sharma explained that preparations begin with coordination between police officials and village leaders. Gram pradhans help identify suitable venues and arrange basic facilities so that women can participate comfortably.

During the sessions, attendees receive information about welfare schemes, legal protections, and support services available to them. ASHA workers and anganwadi staff also take part, helping women access healthcare, nutrition, and social welfare programmes.

“If women face difficulties related to banking services or government benefits, we help them prepare applications and connect them with the appropriate departments,” Sharma said.

Concerns raised during the gatherings are officially recorded in Mission Shakti registers maintained at local police stations. Police teams then monitor the cases and, where necessary, coordinate with departments such as health, women and child welfare, and local administration to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Officials acknowledge that one of the greatest obstacles is overcoming the hesitation many rural women feel when speaking openly about their problems. Fear of criticism or retaliation within the family often discourages them from coming forward, making trust-building a critical part of the programme.

Sharma recalled that the initiative initially struggled to attract participants.

“People were sceptical. They believed officers would simply deliver speeches and leave without bringing any real change,” she said.

Gradually, however, confidence in the programme grew. More women began attending regularly and sharing deeply personal experiences. Discussions frequently covered serious issues such as domestic violence, dowry harassment, restrictions on mobility, and even being denied access to mobile phones.

“Many women speak about their financial dependence and the lack of decision-making power they have within their own households,” Sharma added.

In situations where alcohol abuse is contributing to family conflict, police often adopt a counselling-based approach. Husbands are invited to participate in discussions aimed at improving behaviour and reducing tensions at home.

“We have seen positive changes in several cases when follow-up counselling is conducted consistently,” Sharma said.

The initiative was first introduced as a pilot project in four districts—Maharajganj, Sant Kabir Nagar, Balrampur, and Siddharthnagar. Encouraged by its response, authorities have now expanded the model across the entire Gorakhpur Zone.

Looking ahead, officials plan to move beyond village-level meetings and establish a block-level framework. The expansion will involve specially trained personnel and master trainers who can replicate the programme effectively across multiple districts.

Every Sunday, a new set of villages is selected to host these community interactions, ensuring that the initiative reaches a wider population over time.

In Sant Kabir Nagar district alone, police have already organised more than 1,000 Bahu-Beti Sammelans, highlighting the scale and consistency of the effort.

Officials describe the programme as a shift in the philosophy of policing—from responding to crimes after they occur to addressing social issues before they develop into serious offences.

To strengthen and institutionalise the initiative, authorities are currently drafting a detailed block-level action plan under the supervision of senior leadership in the Gorakhpur Zone.

The proposed blueprint aims to establish permanent collaboration among police personnel, healthcare workers, welfare agencies, and community representatives, ensuring that Bahu-Beti Sammelans continue to serve as a collective platform for awareness, support, and early intervention in rural communities.