Nagaland: PDLSA conducts Mini Legal Service Camps at Nsong, Tening

Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA), in collaboration with Sakhi One Stop Centre, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) and Unique Identification Authority of India, conducted Mini Legal Service Camps at Nsong Town on December 12, 2025 and at Tening Town on December 13, 2024.
The outreach initiative aimed to bridge the gap for remote and far-flung areas by fostering legal awareness among rural residents. Key objectives included dissemination of information on citizens’ legal rights, entitlements, and access to justice, alongside highlighting government welfare schemes with special emphasis on women-centric programmes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mahila Shakti Kendra and Nagaland-specific support for women’s safety and empowerment.
At both camps, participants were educated on domestic violence prevention, maintenance rights and skill development opportunities. Practical services were also provided, including free legal aid booths with pamphlets and booklets, Aadhaar enrolment and updates, and voluntary HIV testing and counselling.
The Nsong camp witnessed participation of over 300 attendees including women, youth and village leaders. Panel lawyer Kewithinwang highlighted PDLSA initiatives such as free legal aid provision and legal literacy camps aimed at ensuring access to justice for marginalised groups. She explained how the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 establishes a nationwide network from the National Legal Services Authority down to the Taluk levels to provide free legal services, promote settlements and prevent denial of rights due to poverty or illiteracy.
Bamsilui Rentta, representing Sakhi One Stop Centre, spoke on legal safeguards available to women under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and highlighted civil remedies including protection orders, residence rights and monetary relief against physical, emotional, sexual or economic abuse.
Kisoga, representing DHEW, spoke on various government welfare schemes for women including registration under PMMVY. Indaulak Ndang of NSACS emphasised the importance of HIV testing, explaining that early detection enables timely medical intervention, effective treatment and reduces the risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus.
He urged preventive practices and adherence to antiretroviral therapy to curb the spread of HIV at both personal and community levels.
Panel lawyer Indeu Hiekha discussed the National Food Security Act, 2013, which legally entitles about two-thirds of India’s population to subsidised food grains through the Public Distribution System, covering priority households with 5 kg per person monthly and Antyodaya Anna Yojana families with 35 kg.
Kidungyi Putlang, panel lawyer PDLSA, spoke on the functioning of Lok Adalat as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism under the Legal Services Authorities Act.
Similarly, at Tening, the programme was chaired by panel lawyer Kewithinwang, with a welcome note delivered by deputy chairperson of Tening Town Council, Pauzin Rentta. Retainer lawyer Italang Ramlia highlighted PDLSA initiatives including free legal aid provision, Lok Adalat and legal literacy camps, explaining how the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 establishes a nationwide network to ensure access to justice for marginalised groups, promote settlements and prevent denial of rights due to poverty or illiteracy.
Lucy, representing Sakhi One Stop Centre, spoke on legal safeguards available to women under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. Kisoga, representing DHEW, highlighted various government welfare schemes for women including registration under PMMVY.
Indaulak Ndang of NSACS emphasised the importance of HIV testing, explaining that early detection enables timely medical intervention, effective treatment and reduces the risk of unknowingly transmitting the virus. He urged preventive practices and adherence to antiretroviral therapy to curb the spread of HIV at both personal and community levels.
Panel lawyer Kidungyi Putlang explained the role of Lok Adalat as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism under the Legal Services Authorities Act. Panel lawyer Idosile spoke on maintenance rights, elaborating on the legal remedies available to women victims.