DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) and Central Jail, Chümoukedima, organised an awareness programme on the NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme 2025 under the theme “Rights in Custody, Dignity for All” at Central Jail, Chümoukedima on July 18, 2026
Delivering the keynote address, NSLSA member secretary Neiko Akami stressed that deprivation of liberty does not extinguish constitutional and human rights. He highlighted the importance of access to free legal aid, legal awareness and effective prison legal aid mechanisms for persons in custody. Akami emphasized legal facilitation for eligible prisoners seeking remission, premature release, parole and furlough, while underscoring the need for capacity building of Jail Visiting Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and prison officials through the e Prisons Portal and e Remission Module. He also called for strengthening Prison Legal Aid Clinics (PLACs), organising “Know Your Case” drives, identifying eligible prisoners under the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) framework, and enhancing legal literacy through participatory activities.
Akami further stressed the importance of inter departmental collaboration and partnerships with law universities and colleges to promote legal awareness, rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners. As per latest statistics, Central Jail currently houses 199 inmates including 122 undertrials, 56 convicts, 14 under NSA and 7 under NDPS cases. Legal aid was extended to four convicts, all of whom were released this month.
Central Jail Jailor Zubemo briefed participants on remission and premature release, explaining that convicts with good conduct are recommended to the government and eligible names forwarded during Independence Day celebrations. He encouraged inmates to maintain discipline and prepare to become responsible citizens after release.
Speaking on the theme, Adv. Khumchuba explained that the JAGRITI Scheme aims to strengthen legal awareness and ensure access to free legal aid for those unable to engage counsel. He said constitutional rights of persons in custody remain protected under law. Adv. Rokovitsu Khate spoke on the rights and dignity of prisoners, stressing that while certain liberties are restricted after conviction, the fundamental right to life and dignity continues. He highlighted the right to be informed of proceedings, speedy trial, and legal representation, while underlining the importance of educational, vocational and rehabilitative activities for reintegration.
The programme was chaired by Visheli H. Yepthomi, Panel Lawyer.
