Kohima, 28 July (MTNews): The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) organized a one-day State Level Induction Training for Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) on 28 July in Kohima. The training aimed to equip the PLVs with essential knowledge and skills necessary to empower marginalized communities by imparting basic legal procedures, acts, and articles of the Indian Constitution.
Delivering the keynote address, Registrar of Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, Ajongba Imchen, NJS, emphasized the significance of PLVs having a sound understanding of the law. He asserted that this knowledge was vital for effectively representing the needs and rights of marginalized individuals within their respective jurisdictions. Imchen highlighted the important role of PLVs, who work under the executive chairman of the legal services, a judge of a high court, to identify and address the needs of people in need.
During his address, Imchen also touched upon the issue of lengthy implementation of acts in parliament. He cited the example of the LokPal (now Lok Ayukta) anti-corruption act, which was introduced in 1968 but took nearly half a century to be implemented in 2013, largely due to persistent pressure from activists. Imchen stressed the importance of PLVs’ role in bringing about change in society and ensuring that government schemes and services are effectively implemented for the benefit of the people.
Speaking about corruption, Imchen urged the PLVs to take proactive action and not be complacent. He expressed concern over some Right to Information (RTI) activities being ineffective due to lack of determination and integrity. “Many RTI activists appear to be selling out,” Imchen underscored while adding that RTIs will not see results if there was no determination.
He emphasized the need for genuine engagement and input to bring about meaningful change in the governance system. Imchen encouraged PLVs to play an active role in shaping the nation and serving the people in their areas.
“The faithfulness of PLVs should be known to their neighborhood,” the registrar said, adding that volunteering is not a charity work but a fundamental duty of para legal volunteers for the benefit and protection of the people’s rights in their respective areas. He expressed his concern about the superficial way of living in Naga society and cited the example of the construction of District Jail in Nagaland, which took 11 years to complete.
NSLSA Member Secretary Victo Sema, NJS, delivered the welcome address and spoke on the need to understand the legal services system. He reiterated that the primary objective is to provide free legal services to the people, as enshrined in Article 39 (A) of the Indian Constitution, recognizing access to justice as a basic human right. Sema urged the PLVs to go back and work effectively in their districts.
The training program covered various topics, including the concept of para legal volunteers, maintenance of PLVs, fundamentals of crime and law, and the role and responsibilities of para legal volunteers. In the second session, topics such as the Victim Compensation Scheme were discussed. National Best PLV awardee, NK Kenny, and PLVs from Dimapur and Noklak also shared their experiences. Interactive sessions were held during the training program.
The induction training was attended by more than 60 Para Legal Volunteers from 11 District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across the state. The initiative by NSLSA reflects their commitment to building a capable cadre of dedicated Para Legal Volunteers who can contribute to promoting access to justice and protecting the rights of marginalized communities in Nagaland.