Chief secretary, Dr. J. Alam said while gracing the State Mega Legal Services Camp in Kohima on Saturday, said that state government was committed to promote legal service in Nagaland.
He extended appreciation to Nagaland State Legal Services Authority for organising the event and highlighted that the purpose of this camp was to create awareness and to educate the public about the welfare schemes being implemented by the Government.
He stressed the importance of village councils in dispensation of justice in the rural areas of the state, and informed that there are 138 legal aid clinics established across Nagaland which serves to deliver legal services and promote access to justice.
In addition to that, Dr. Alam informed that there are currently 11 district legal services authorities functioning in Nagaland which conducts legal awareness programs and workshops. He was hopeful that the state mega legal services camp will enable more people access to legal services across Nagaland.
In his welcome address, Justice M.R. Pathak, Judge, Gauhati High Court & Executive Chairman, Nagaland, SLSA highlighted the importance of legal aid and access to justice for all, particularly the weaker sections of society such as the Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribe, women, persons with disabilities.
He said that The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was formed to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society under the Legal Services Authorities Act of 1987. It also seeks to ensure that justice is not denied due to economic or other disabilities and to provide access to free legal aid and awareness across the country.
The inaugural session concluded with vote of thanks by Neiko Akami, member secretary, Nagaland, SLSA. The camp commenced with an inauguration of stalls by Dr. J Alam, followed by Inaugural programme and felicitation of dignitaries.
The camp featured over 30 departments and government agencies providing a range of free services including Aadhaar enrolment and correction, legal consultations, affidavit drafting, E-Shram registration, EPF, UDID cards, health screenings, bank account openings, insurance schemes, and more. Awareness programmes covered schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, and fire safety tips.
Around 3,500 beneficiaries availed services at the camp. The valedictory programme of the State Mega Legal Services Camp was held on the same day which was graced by chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio and judges from the Supreme Court and the Gauhati High Court.