Dimapur, July 4 (EMN): Member Secretary of Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) and TDP Vigilance, Mrs Nino Iralu, inaugurated the Legal Services Clinic (LCS) in Pungro under Kiphire district on July 4.
After the inauguration, Kiphire District Legal Services Authority organised a workshop with the village functionaries on the topic ‘Legal services authority vis-a-vis NALSA schemes and rules governing the village functionaries.’
In her speech, Mrs Nino Iralu stated that Article 39A of the Constitution of India was enacted to enable them implement NALSA schemes. She mentioned that legal service was to help each other adding that the Legal Services Clinic, which has been given in the service of the people of Pungro will enable them to connect to various departments.
She thanked the district administration for providing spacious room for legal services. She stressed on the 10 National Legal Services Authority schemes i.e the victims of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, legal services to workers in the unorganised sectors, child friendly legal services to children and their protection, legal services for mentally ill and disabled persons, effective implementation of poverty alleviation schemes, victims of drug abuse and eradication of drug menace, legal services to victim of disaster etc.
She mentioned that one need to be careful while sending children to far off places in search of education because they may be faced with exploitation in various forms. She also cautioned that there are brokers who exploit the parents by giving a small amount to the parents while taking maximum advantage of the situation. She further urged the village authorities to remain vigil against drug menace which is crippling the society and encouraged them to take full benefit of the Clinic.
Mrs Mezivolu T Therieh, Chief Judicial Magistrate & Secretary of Kiphire DLSA, while speaking on the topic ‘Rules governing the village functionaries,’ remarked that procedures and rules for administering the village are laid down since the time of the Britishers under the Rules for Administration of Justice and Police in Nagaland, 1937 with amendments from time to time by the Government depending on the needs of the people and the changing times. She mentioned that every village functionary holds huge responsibility and should be willing to ‘learn, unlearn and relearn.’
With our traditions and customs undergoing threat and transition, she said village functionaries must learn how to respond with the present generation else they will lose their influence. She mentioned that maintaining village harmony should be their principle objective and urged them not to discriminate anyone while making decisions for the village but keep the unity of the villagers in mind.
Also mentioning that the time of might is right is long gone and right has become might, she said it should be the responsibility and duty of each one to know the existing laws, adding being ignorant of the law cannot be pardoned.
In his short speech, Head GB Musuthong mentioned that such programmes on legal sensitisation are important for the people of Pungro. He thanked the organisers for such programme for the first time. He urged the legal services authority to help them improve and develop.
Kiutsuthong, panel lawyer of Kiphire DLSA, who chaired the first session, mentioned on the importance of the Legal Services Clinic and encouraged the people to come forward and avail the benefits free of cost. He said any legal issue can be deliberated and address through the Clinic.
The second session was chaired by Ms Sentila Aier, APP & executive member of Kiphire DLSA.
Wennyei Konyak, ADC Pungro, applauded the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority for opening the Clinic. He pointed out that the knowledge of law is much needed in the area and added that having a Legal Services Clinic will help the people in a big way. He encouraged all to come and avail help and advised to avoid unnecessary queries and hassles.
