GANDERBAL: Legal Services Unit for persons with Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities (LSUM), Ganderbal, under the aegis of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal, today organized a Legal awareness program on ‘NALSA (Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme, 2024’ at She HOPE Centre, Wayil Ganderbal.
The event was held under the supervision of Abdul Nasir, Chairman DLSA, Ganderbal and under the guidance of Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA, Ganderbal. The event held, in collaboration with She HOPE, Wayil Ganderbal aimed to ensure legal services cater to the unique legal and social needs of persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, provide accessible legal services in all matters, including civil, administrative, and criminal cases, promote equal access to government schemes, programs, facilities, and services and to deliver personalized information about legal rights, considering the mental health and intellectual capabilities of individuals.
During the event, Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA, Ganderbal in his presidential addresses highlighted the insights on legal rights of persons with mental illness and Intellectual disabilities, their entitlements and protections under the law and NALSC Scheme. 2024. He also educated them about government schemes for their welfare, financial assistance, healthcare services, disability benefits, and other welfare schemes like education available to persons with disabilities.
Adv. Younis Saleem Wani, Member LSUM, Ganderbal, elaborated on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), stating that its primary objective is to ensure full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in society, guaranteeing their right to equality and dignity. Adv. Burjeena Hamid, Member LSUM, Ganderbal, delivered an insightful lecture on the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, providing valuable perspectives on the legislation.
Afshan, Clinical Psychologist, from District Mental Health Unit, Ganderbal, delivered informative sessions on mental health awareness and psychiatric well-being. Syed Naseer, RP (Inclusive Education) GMS Kangan, educated the participants about the facilities available to Children with Special Needs, emphasizing the importance of equitable and inclusive educational learning for all.
In a significant move to support individuals with disabilities, Secretary DLSA Ganderbal was informed by the Director SHE Hope that an amount of Rs.79 lakh will be provided to beneficiaries under the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme and on this day said amount was dedicated for the welfare and medical reimbursement for the beneficiaries under the scheme. This initiative aims to provide affordable health insurance to persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities.
The program was also attended by Chairperson Child Welfare Committee, Ganderbal, Director SHE Hope, Wayil Ganderbal, Counselor Child Helpline, Ganderbal, Protection Officer (NIC), District Child Protection Unit, Ganderbal, Members of LSUM unit Ganderbal, persons with Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities and other participants.
