KUPWARA: As per the directions of NALSA & JK LSA and in pursuance to Action Plan 2024, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kupwara today organized an awareness programme on celebration of National Legal Services Day at Conference Hall ADR Centre, Court Complex Kupwara.

The programme was held under the supervision of Shazia Tabasum, Chairperson DLSA, (Pr. District & Sessions Judge) Kupwara and under the guidance of Moneer Ahmad, Secretary DLSA Kupwara.

The purpose of the programme was targeted to spread awareness about, Legal Services Authorities Act 1987 welfare legislations various schemes and to strengthen the community access to the schemes being implemented by the legal services authority and other departments of the Government.

The programme also looked upon understanding the legal needs of the people by addressing their legal problems and giving appropriate legal advice.

Mozamil Yousuf Bhat, Deputy Chief LADC Kupwara said that the observation of National Legal Services Day is an essential milestone in guaranteeing that access to justice is not a privilege for just the affluent but a right of all citizens, including those from marginalized and impoverished backgrounds.

The day is marked to promote awareness regarding the legal rights and the availability of legal aid service, it intends to make people aware of the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act and how they may obtain free legal assistance, he said.

Secretary, DLSA Kupwara threw light on the importance of the day and emphasized that Access to Justice has to be strictly adhered to, in order to uplift the marginalized and underprivileged sections of society.

He also spoke on the role of PLVs who act as intermediaries bridging the gap between the common people and the Legal Services Institutions to remove impediments to access to justice and also their contribution in monitoring cases of missing children in Police Stations, assisting the senior citizens and persons below poverty line to avail various welfares schemes of State/Central Government and acting as Support Persons for assisting the child victims of sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016.

Referring to NALSA's efforts including legal aid clinics, Lok Adalats, prison legal aid clinics, legal assistance and legal aid clinics and awareness programmes, are essential in increasing legal awareness and empowerment is a key component in ensuring better justice delivery, he added.

The programme was attended by LADCs Kupwara, Panel Lawyers, Officials of DLSA Kupwara, PLVS & Litigants/ Legal Aid Beneficiaries.

Further similar programmes were held by TLSC Handwara and Tangdar aiming to raise awareness regarding the National Legal Services Day, as well.