# Karnataka launches pre-marital counselling at 178 centres 2026-08-10T23:42:21+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Karnataka government has launched 'Kudi Balona', a pre-marital counselling programme at 178 Santwana Kendras, The Hindu reports. This first-time collaboration between the Department of Women and Child Development and the National and State Commissions for Women aims to promote values like sharing, caring, respect, and responsibility. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh said the programme develops emotional readiness and positive communication. The sessions also cover financial planning, gender-sensitive family systems, and medical check-ups. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar noted that Karnataka is one of the largest implementing states, with 285 such centres across 16 states and Union territories. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: Karnataka, National Commission for Women, pre-marital counselling, Santwana Kendras, women and child development Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-launches-pre-marital-counselling-at-178-centres/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/karnataka-launches-pre-marital-counselling-at-178-centres/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.