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 programme’s 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.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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