SRINAGAR: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar today organized an awareness programme focusing the NALSA (Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with Intellectual Disabilities) Scheme 2024, the NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme 2024, and the rights of women at the ADR Centre, District Court Complex Srinagar.
The awareness cum training programme was held under the guidance of Jaffer Hussain Beg, Chairman DLSA/ Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar, and under the supervision of Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary DLSA Srinagar. The programme was attended by Nusrat Ali Hakak, Sub-Judge/Secretary DLSA Srinagar, Sr. Consultant at IMHANS, Hospital, staff members of DLSA Srinagar, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Child Rights Lawyer and Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar.
Secretary DLSA Srinagar, in her address, underscored the critical importance of the NALSA schemes in ensuring access to justice for marginalized groups. She emphasized the DLSA's commitment to providing effective legal aid and stressed the need for proactive measures to protect the rights of individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities, children, and women.
She also highlighted the often-overlooked challenges faced by these vulnerable groups and the crucial role of community awareness in overcoming these obstacles. She added the critical role of PLVs and legal aid lawyers in bridging the gap between legal institutions and the community, particularly for marginalized populations.
The programme featured two sessions. The first session focused on mental health and the rights of children wherein Sr. Consultant at IMHANS provided crucial insights into understanding and addressing the mental health needs of individuals, emphasizing early intervention and destigmatization.
This training initiative, besides aiming to raise awareness, also equipped PLVs and legal aid lawyers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively educate and empower the wider community, ensuring that everyone has access to the legal support they need.
