GANDERBAL: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ganderbal conducted a review meeting to review the functioning and effectiveness of legal services activities and to strengthen coordination among the officials, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and other functionaries associated with DLSA Ganderbal and the Taluk Legal Services Committees, Ganderbal/Kangan.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Ganderbal, and under the supervision of Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal.
The meeting was convened by the Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal, who reviewed the progress of legal services activities, coordination among the concerned functionaries and the challenges being faced in the effective implementation of legal aid programmes.
During the meeting, emphasis was laid on effective dissemination of legal aid schemes and initiatives, strengthening grassroots-level legal awareness, timely reporting and coordinated efforts by PLVs and other stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of legal services reach the intended beneficiaries.
The participants were also sensitized regarding the recent legal aid initiatives launched during the West Zone Regional Conference on “Enhancing Access to Justice”, including the NALSA Theme Song Video in Indian Sign Language, Hindi Edition of NALSA Schemes, Certificate Course on “Mediation: Transforming Conflict into Consensus”, Justice for Children: Fellowship Programme and Nyay Ke Swar.
The meeting further focused on the newly launched eNyaya Sarathi, a one-stop digital platform for access to justice developed by the Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The platform provides easy access to various legal services and information, including legal aid, locating courts, advocate-related matters, case search, Acts, Rules and Notifications, AI Chatbot services and information relating to Women & Child Development. The PLVs were directed to disseminate awareness regarding the platform at the grassroots level and encourage the public, particularly vulnerable and marginalized persons, to make use of the digital facility for accessing legal information and services.
The participants were further sensitized regarding the Mediation 3.0 Campaign, with emphasis on promoting mediation as an effective mechanism for amicable and timely resolution of disputes and creating awareness among the public regarding the benefits and accessibility of mediation services.
The meeting also focused on the implementation of the Mega Drive for grassroots-level implementation of NALSA Schemes under Phase-I. The PLVs were directed to undertake intensive awareness activities regarding all the 13 NALSA schemes mentioned under the Mega Drive Phase I, so as to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are identified and connected with the appropriate legal services and welfare mechanisms.
Special directions were issued to the PLVs deputed at Panchayat Ghar Anderwan A and Anderwan B to conduct focused grassroots-level awareness regarding all the 13 mentioned NALSA schemes, interact with the local population, identify persons eligible for assistance and facilitate access to the benefits available under the respective schemes. The PLVs were also directed to maintain proper records of the awareness activities and ensure timely submission of the requisite reports/data to DLSA Ganderbal before 2nd of every month.
Awareness was also imparted regarding the directions contained in the recent judgment/order concerning the Handbook “Judgments and Gender.” The participants were apprised that the said Handbook is intended to serve as a guiding resource in matters involving sexual offences and cases concerning vulnerable persons. Emphasis was laid on proper dissemination, sensitization and effective implementation of the directions and guidelines among the concerned stakeholders.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal emphasized that awareness and sensitization at the grassroots level are essential for ensuring effective access to justice. He stressed upon the PLVs and other functionaries to remain proactive in disseminating legal information, legal aid schemes and initiatives among the public and to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized sections are adequately informed about their legal rights and available remedies. He further stressed upon all concerned to work with dedication, maintain proper records and ensure that the benefits of legal services and NALSA Schemes reach to the intended beneficiaries, particularly those belonging to vulnerable and marginalized sections of society.
The review meeting concluded with directions for continued coordination, effective implementation of legal services programmes, intensified legal awareness activities, focused implementation of the Mediation 3.0 Campaign, and effective grassroots-level implementation of the 13 mentioned NALSA schemes under Phase-I of the Mega Drive, particularly through the PLVs deployed at Panchayat Ghar Anderwan A and Anderwan B.
