Training programme for para-legal volunteers begins in Mysuru

A two-day refresher training programme for selected part-time para-legal volunteers attached to District Legal Services Authority and Taluk Legal Services Committees began in Mysuru on Monday.

The training programme organised jointly by Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, Mysuru District Legal Services Authority, Advocates’ Association and other government departments, besides the Outlawed India Foundation, is being held at Abdul Nazir Sab Hall in Mysuru.

Speaking after inaugurating the programme, First Further District and Sessions judge Sandhya Rao P. said the Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV) scheme. It had been introduced by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in 2009, is being actively implemented in the district to create legal awareness among the general public and ensure that free legal assistance reaches even the most disadvantaged sections of society.

She called upon the volunteers undergoing training to produce the best use of the programme.

The PLV scheme should bridge the gap between the common residents and legal services institutions while taking justice to people’s doorsteps. “They are not advocates but intermediaries who, after acquiring basic legal knowledge, provide social service,” Ms. Rao said.

One of the key responsibilities of the PLVs is to connect residents. This person are unable to approach the courts, with Lok Adalats, mediation centres and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).

The volunteers will create awareness among the poor, women, children, workers and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes about their constitutional rights and administration welfare schemes, she said.

The volunteers should additionally assist eligible beneficiaries in applying for free legal aid and create awareness about the benefits of Lok Adalats and mediation centres. They should identify cases of domestic violence, child marriage, child labour and dowry harassment and inform the DLSA about them. Furthermore, they should help victims access housing, pensions, Aadhaar services and employment guarantee schemes, she stated.

Fast Track Special Court and District and Sessions judge Anand P. Hogade, senior civil judge and member-secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Nagaraj Siddappa Ankasadoddi, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer S. Yukesh Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police Mallik C., advocates’ association president S. Lokesh, prosecution department legal officer B.E. Yogeshwar, District Child Protection Officer Asha, and Outlawed India Foundation trainer Shama D. were among those present.