Mediation: Tool to Achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision

1. The President of India emphasized the crucial role of mediation in realizing the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
2. He was addressing the First National Conference on Mediation, held in New Delhi.
3. The event also witnessed the launch of the Mediation Association of India to institutionalize and promote mediation across the country.
4. The Association will work towards making mediation a preferred, structured, and easily accessible method for resolving disputes.

What is Mediation?

1. Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) alongside Arbitration and Conciliation.
2. It involves a neutral third party (mediator) helping the disputing parties communicate and reach a voluntary settlement.
3. Between 2016 and early 2025, over 7,57,173 cases were successfully resolved through mediation in India.

How Does Mediation Differ from Arbitration and Conciliation?

Aspect	Mediation	Arbitration	Conciliation
Nature	Voluntary and informal	Formal and legally binding	Voluntary and informal
Third Party Role	Mediator facilitates dialogue without imposing a decision	Arbitrator acts like a judge and delivers a binding verdict	Conciliator suggests solutions and may propose a settlement
Binding Decision	No	Yes	No
Enforceability	Not enforceable unless converted into a contract	Legally binding and enforceable	Not enforceable unless parties agree to it