DLSA launches extensive legal awareness campaign
KUMAR PRABHAT
DUMKA
In a major push to ensure access to justice for all and bridge the gap between weaker sections of society and legal remedies, an extensive legal awareness campaign is being conducted across the district through the mobile legal services van, ‘Nyaya Rath’. The initiative is being driven under the direction of Sudhanshu Kumar Shashi, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dumka.
As part of this ongoing outreach, a special program was organized on Tuesday at the Jama block office premises in Dumka, where local residents were educated about their constitutional and legal rights. DLSA Secretary Vivek Kumar addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the primary objective of the ‘Nyaya Rath’ is to take justice and legal services directly to the last person in society, ensuring no citizen is left deprived of legal aid due to financial or social barriers.
During the event, the DLSA Secretary provided detailed information regarding free legal aid schemes, the functioning of Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats, mediation processes, and laws protecting women and children. He also shed light on critical issues such as protection against domestic violence, the prohibition of child marriage, eradication of child labor, cybersecurity awareness, anti-drug campaigns, and the rights of senior citizens. In addition, information about various public welfare schemes run by the government was shared with the attendees.
The rural audience was informed that DLSA provides entirely free legal assistance to financially weaker sections, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, women, children, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. Highlighting the benefits of Lok Adalats, the officials explained that these forums offer a speedy, cost-effective, and amicable settlement of disputes outside regular courtrooms.
To maximize the impact of the drive, volunteers distributed pamphlets and educational literature at various spots, and legal consultations were provided to individuals on the spot. The villagers participated with keen interest, actively clarifying their doubts regarding legal processes. The program concluded with an appeal to the public to stand vigilant against social evils and freely approach DLSA whenever in need of legal assistance. Present on the occasion were Legal Aid Defense Counsel Ankit Kumar Singh, Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs), social workers, and a large number of local residents.
