SRINAGAR: District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) Srinagar in collaboration with DLSA Budgam organized a legal awareness programme aimed at enhancing the understanding and implementation of the NALSA Scheme 2024. The programme was held under the guidance of Jaffer Hussain Beg, Chairman of the DLSA/Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar, & Om Prakash Bhagat, Chairman DLSA Budgam/Pr. District & Sessions Judge Budgam and under the supervision of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary of DLSA Srinagar.
The programme was attended by the members of the Legal Services Unit for Children (LSUC) and the Legal Services Unit for Mentally ill individuals and persons with intellectual disabilities (LSUM) from both districts. Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions to deepen their understanding of the NALSA Scheme 2024 and strategize its effective execution.
Jaffer Hussain Beg, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) & Pr. District & Sessions Judge Srinagar inaugurated the programme on the Legal Service Unit for Children (LSUC) and the Legal Services Unit for persons with Mental illness and intellectual disabilities (LSUM) at the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre, DLSA Srinagar. The event marked a significant step in promoting legal aid and awareness for vulnerable groups, focusing on ensuring that children and individuals with mental health conditions or intellectual disabilities have access to justice and support mechanisms tailored to their unique needs.
During his address, the Chairman emphasized the critical role of these units in safeguarding the rights of the marginalized and fostering an inclusive legal environment. He urged participants to actively engage with the programmeâs objectives and take steps to spread awareness within their communities. Highlighting the importance of empathy, sensitivity, and legal literacy, he encouraged legal professionals, para-legal volunteers, and stakeholders to collaborate and strengthen the support system for these vulnerable populations.
Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/ Secretary DLSA Srinagar and Budgam highlighted the significance of the NALSA Scheme 2024 in safeguarding the rights of children and individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities. She emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach to ensure the scheme's successful implementation.
Dr. Abrar Guroo, Senior Consultant at IMHANS Kashmir, provided insights into mental health issues, focusing on the welfare of individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities. He discussed the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, underscoring the importance of accessible mental health services. Advocate Gazala Mumtaz, Panel Lawyer, DLSA Srinagar also addressed the participants, focusing on the NALSA Scheme for children. She highlighted the critical aspects of the scheme and its role in safeguarding children's rights.
Tasneem Kausar, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA Srinagar discussed the NALSA (Child-Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme 2024. She emphasized the need for creating a supportive legal environment for children, ensuring their rights are upheld through child-friendly legal services. Sharooq Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel, DLSA Budgam elaborated on the NALSA (Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme 2024, outlining its objectives and the role of legal services units in its execution.
Members of the LSUC from both DLSA Srinagar and Budgam actively participated, sharing their experiences and insights. The virtual participation of Budgam LSUC&LSUM members enriched the discussions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the scheme's objectives and strategies for effective implementation. This collaborative initiative underscores the commitment of DLSA Srinagar and Budgam to establish a robust legal framework that protects the rights of children and individuals with mental health challenges, in alignment with the NALSA Scheme 2024.
