Nagaland State Legal Services Authority marks Legal Services Day with legal awareness drives across districts
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), along with district legal services authorities (DLSAs) across multiple districts in Nagaland, launched the weeklong celebration of Legal Services Day on Monday.
As part of the observance, the NSLSA organised a legal awareness programme for para legal volunteers (PLVs) of Kohima Law College in Kohima, according to an update.
Addressing the gathering, Member Secretary of NSLSA Neiko Akami highlighted the role of PLVs in implementing schemes and programmes of the Legal Services Authorities. Describing them as a link between legal institutions and the public, he noted that their services extend to jails, police stations, and other institutions where people require legal aid.
Akami highlighted various welfare schemes of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) aimed at extending legal aid and protection to vulnerable sections of society, including construction workers, disaster victims who lose documents in natural calamities, persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, children, and victims of sexual exploitation, trafficking, and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Stressing the importance of victim compensation, Akami informed that approximately INR 41 lakh had been provided to 32 victims to date. He underscored that compensation is a critical component of the legal support system and that eligible victims must be assisted in accessing available benefits. He also referred to the JAGRITI scheme as part of outreach initiatives.
Kiphire: In Kiphire, the Kiphire DLSA, along with the retainer lawyer and PLVs from the Kiphire, Seyochung, Pungro, and Kiusam towns, conducted an awareness campaign across the district.
Activities included distribution of legal pamphlets at Trinity School, Holy Cross High School, and Mission School in Kiphire; a door-to-door awareness campaign on Lok Adalat at Longthonger village; and the display of print media posters in Kiphire, Kiusam, Seyochung, and Pungro.
Mon: Mon DLSA observed National Legal Services Day at Sacred Heart School, Mon.
The programme commenced with a welcome address and prayer led by Dr. MH Daniel, Chairman of the school. Retainer Lawyer Angun Konyak delivered the introductory address on the importance of legal awareness.
Chief Judicial Magistrate and Secretary of DLSA Wokono Yhoshii spoke on the significance of the day, the NALSA Asha Scheme 2026, the Juvenile Justice Act, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, and the Right to Education Act 2009, underlining access to justice for all. Panel Lawyer Topha delivered an informative session on the POCSO Act 2012, highlighting child rights and protection against sexual offences.
Phek: Phek DLSA conducted an awareness programme at Chosaba village, chaired by Advocate Khotsozo Venuh.
Retainer Lawyer Sekhotso Rokha highlighted the purpose of the day, which commemorates the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, stating that the day underscores the constitutional mandate to provide free legal services to marginalised sections.
Panel Lawyer Thukutalu Chizo detailed various NALSA schemes, including the NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme 2025 under Article 39A of the Constitution to connect grassroots communities to justice, the NALSA (ASHA) Scheme focusing on eliminating child marriage under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006, and the NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection) Scheme 2024.
She also sensitised the 30 attendees on the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015, explaining the roles of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).
Mokokchung: Mokokchung DLSA concluded its weeklong activities on November 9. On November 3, a door-to-door legal awareness drive in three wards of Mokokchung town was conducted by Mapujungla, Panel Lawyer Chubarenla, and PLV Sungjemkala.
On November 4 and 5, campaigns and pamphlet distributions were held at Ungma village and Tuli town by PLVs Masakumzuk, Talipokba, and Kimongdangba. On MOnday, Panel Lawyer Temjenkokla delivered a radio talk in the Ao dialect on the role of Legal Services Authorities and legal aid schemes.
Wokha: Wokha DLSA observed the day at the District Court, Wokha, in convergence with NSRLM and Mission Shakti, bringing together participants from nine cluster villages: Longla, N Longidang, Seluku, Yimkha, Koio, Tsungiki, Yanthamo, Nungying, and Chukitong.
The event featured addresses by BPM NSRLM Janthungbemo and DMC Mission Shakti Dr. Wonchano E Enny. Panel Lawyers Abigail Lotha and Shanchobeni P Lotha spoke on the significance of the day, the NALSA poverty alleviation scheme, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, followed by an interactive session on women's rights and decision-making disparities.
Tuensang: Tuensang DLSA observed the day at District Jail, Tuensang, in a programme chaired by front office PLV Muthiam.
Judicial Magistrate First Class and Secretary of TDLSA Tsaliba highlighted the functions of legal services, while Assistant LADC Thondi spoke on bailable and non-bailable offences. Chief LADC Antimangyang Chang briefed the attendees, including the assistant jailor, jail staff, and inmates, on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and prisoners' rights.
Zunheboto: Zunheboto DLSA carried out a community-based outreach drive across various locations in Zunheboto. The retainer lawyer, panel lawyers, and PLVs engaged with members of the taxi association, taxi operators, cobblers, butchers, market vendors, shopkeepers, and daily wage earners, providing information on the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, eligibility criteria, and free legal aid.
Peren: Peren DLSA observed the day at New Market, Jalukie town. Retainer Lawyer Italang Ramlia and panel lawyers distributed information pamphlets and interacted with market vendors to explain the availability of free legal aid services.