SAATHI campaign launched in Kupwara to identify, support vulnerable children

May 30, 2025

KUPWARA: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kupwara today convened a meeting-cum-orientation session to initiate the implementation of the SAATHI campaign (Survey for Aadhaar and Access to Tracking & Holistic Inclusion), a national mission launched by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).

The campaign aims to ensure that no child is left without a legal identity, access to welfare schemes, or legal protection.

The meeting was chaired by the Secretary/Sub-Judge, DLSA Kupwara, Moneer Ahmad and attended by senior officers including the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Education Officer (CEO), Tehsildars from all tehsils, members of the Juvenile Justice Board, CDPO and ICDS officials, representatives from orphanages and Darul Ulooms, Panel Lawyers, and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs).

Under this campaign, Tehsil-Level SAATHI Committees are being formed, headed by the respective Tehsildars, and comprising ASHA and Anganwadi workers, ICDS supervisors, PLVs, and representatives of the Child Development Project Offices. These committees will conduct extensive surveys from 1st June 2025 to identify destitute, orphaned, or undocumented children, particularly those residing in orphanages, Darul Ulooms, shelter homes, and Child Care Institutions.

The survey will focus on facilitating Aadhaar enrolment, linking children to government entitlements, providing legal aid where required, ensuring educational and healthcare access.

Speaking at the occasion, Secretary DLSA emphasized the critical role of grassroots-level coordination in ensuring that the rights of every child are upheld, and vulnerable children are brought under the ambit of formal welfare systems.

DLSA urged full cooperation from all stakeholders and the general public in making this campaign a success.