JHALSA Launches "Project Vatsalya" To Tackle Drug Addiction Among Street Children, "Legal Services For Road Accident Victims"

The fourth state-level meeting of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) organized by the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) concluded today, 11.02.2024, at Nyay Sadan, JHALSA. The event, which brought together the Chairmen and Secretaries of all 24 DLSAs, witnessed significant deliberations and the unveiling of key initiatives aimed at enhancing legal services across the state.

The inaugural session, held on February 10, 2024, witnessed the inauguration by the Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Judge of the High Court of Jharkhand and Executive Chairman of JHALSA. During this session, "Project Vatsalya", aimed at curbing drug addiction among street children, and the "Legal Services to Road Accident Victims" Scheme, providing legal assistance to accident victims and their families, were launched.

Additionally, plans for a comprehensive action plan targeting the welfare of elderly persons residing in shelter homes were disclosed by His Lordship Executive Chairman JHALSA.

Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Justice Pradeep Kumar Srivastava and Justice Arun Kumar Rai, Judges of the Jharkhand High Court, joined as speakers. The event saw the presence of esteemed justices including Justice Ratnakar Bhengra, Justice Dr. S. N. Pathak, and Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi.

The training program, conducted over five sessions on February 11, 2024, witnessed active participation from various dignitaries and resource persons.

Key suggestions and guidelines were provided during the training program by Justice Shri Sujit Narayan Prasad, emphasizing the strengthening of legal services at various stages, including pre-arrest, arrest, and remand. Suggestions included the focus on providing legal aid at police stations, conducting special drives in jails, and providing assistance to convicts entitled to premature release.

Other recommendations encompassed the effective utilization of Para Legal Volunteers, operation of Legal Aid Clinics as per NALSA/JHALSA instructions, adherence to JHALSA activity calendar, and the establishment of Legal Literacy Clubs. Moreover, initiatives such as the awareness campaign on the NALSA toll-free number, victim compensation distribution, and prioritized campaigns for JHALSA/NALSA projects and schemes were highlighted.

The District Legal Services Authority was urged to organize Legal Empowerment Camps, provide free legal aid to those in deprived circumstances, and focus on mediation, Lok Adalat, and Permanent Lok Adalat initiatives.

The training program concluded with a call to action for the District Legal Services Authority to ensure the effective implementation of outlined strategies for the betterment of legal services and access to justice across the state.

Click Here To Read About Project Vatsalya

Click here To Read About Legal Services to Road Accident Victims