State-level workshop to on Financial Management in DLSAs held

Surendra Soren

Ranchi

The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) on Saturday organised a state-level workshop on Financial Management for Strengthening Financial Skills in District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) at the JHALSA Auditorium in Nyaya Sadan, Doranda, with a focus on enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in financial administration.

The workshop was inaugurated by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court and Executive Chairman of JHALSA, along with Justice Anil Kumar Choudhary, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Addressing the participants, Justice Prasad said transparent, accountable and rule-based financial management is essential for the credibility and effective functioning of any institution. He urged DLSA Secretaries to ensure meticulous budget preparation, prudent utilisation of funds, timely submission of utilisation certificates and strict compliance with the General Financial Rules (GFR). He also directed officials not to divert funds without prior approval from the competent authority and to maintain all financial records and vouchers properly. Stressing the importance of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and mediators, he called for the timely disbursal of their honorariums to maintain motivation and improve service delivery.

Justice Choudhary highlighted the importance of financial discipline in managing public funds, observing that although financial management receives limited attention during legal education, it is a crucial aspect of judicial and administrative responsibilities. He expressed confidence that the workshop would help participants gain practical knowledge of financial procedures and statutory compliance.

During the inaugural session, the JHALSA Newsletter (April–June 2026) was released. Students of Birsa College, Khunti, whose legal awareness reel was adjudged the best in the country by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), were felicitated.

The workshop was attended by DLSA Secretaries, accounts personnel and other stakeholders. Technical sessions covered accounting practices, asset management, the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and the financial performance of DLSAs, with experts from the Accountant General’s office and other institutions serving as resource persons.