Orientation for ASHAs as Para Legal Volunteers Kicks Off in Gangtok

GANGTOK, SEP 23, 2014 – A five-day Orientation and Induction Training Programme for Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) as Para Legal Volunteers was inaugurated on Tuesday at the DAC Conference Hall. The event was organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the Taluk Legal Services Committee of South, in collaboration with the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority, Gangtok.

The programme was graced by District Session Judge Mr. Prajwal Khatiwara, who serves as the Chairperson of the DLSA - South. He was joined by a team of resource persons, including President of the Namchi Bar Association and Advocate Mr. Kumar Sharma, along with esteemed advocates Mr. Pema Tamang, Mr. Bhupendra Giri, Mr. Anjan Sharma, Ms. Yangzee Pinasha, and Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) Mr. Passang Tshering Bhutia.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Khatiwara welcomed the trainees and expressed gratitude to the ASHAs for their invaluable contributions in promoting legal aid and assisting with socio-economic and health issues among rural communities, regardless of their social standing.

PLV Mr. P.T. Bhutia addressed the participants, outlining the roles and responsibilities of a Para Legal Volunteer. He emphasized the importance of imparting legal awareness to various target groups, which in turn fosters legal consciousness within society. He also highlighted the significance of Village Legal Care and Support Centers located at the block level in the South District, where PLVs can provide crucial support to marginalized communities. Mr. Bhutia encouraged the ASHAs to disseminate information about Para Legal Schemes at the block and village levels, urging them to carry out their duties diligently and effectively.

The advocates present discussed the basic structure of the Constitution and the State’s obligations towards marginalized communities, as outlined in the Directive Principles of the State Policy. Key topics included Fundamental Rights and Duties, along with Article 39A, which pertains to equal justice and free legal aid. Training also covered NALSA regulations and the essential Do’s and Don’ts for PLVs, including dress code and standards of behavior.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion between the ASHAs and the resource persons. The training programme, which commenced today, will continue until September 27 at the DAC Conference Hall in Namchi.

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