THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec 9: A two-day training programme organized by the newly formed Legal Services Unit of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Ranchi, commenced today at the Training Hall of the Civil Court, Ranchi.
The participants include the DLSA Secretary, a retired Principal District and Sessions Judge, panel advocates, members of the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS), and Para Legal Volunteers.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) and is part of the National Legal Services Authority’s (NALSA) Legal Services Scheme for Persons with Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability.
Principal Judicial Commissioner Diwakar Pandey graced the event as the chief guest. Other prominent attendees included Principal Judicial Commissioner Family Court Ranchi, S.S. Fatmi; Additional Principal Judicial Commissioner-1, Yogesh Kumar; Additional Principal Judicial Commissioner-2, Rajesh Kumar Singh; and retired District and Sessions Judge of Garhwa, Balmukund Roy.
In his address, Principal Judicial Commissioner Diwakar Pandey emphasized the importance of the newly formed Psychiatry Unit in providing justice and assistance to individuals with mental illnesses.
“The purpose of this programme, led by NALSA, is to offer free legal services to people with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, ensure proper assistance, and link them to welfare schemes run by the government,” Pandey stated. He also expressed his hope that all members of the Legal Services Unit would utilize the training to support and assist individuals in need.
Key Highlights of the Training Sessions
- First Session:
Additional Principal Judicial Commissioner, Additional Family Court, Rajesh Kumar Singh, addressed the participants, sharing insights on various legal aspects concerning children. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Legal Services Scheme for Persons with Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities – 2024, explaining its provisions in detail. This session proved beneficial for the trainees as it deepened their understanding of the scheme’s structure, features, and objectives. - Second Session:
Additional Professor Dr. Mashrur Jahan from the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS) delved into the legal and policy frameworks applicable to persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities. He covered key legislations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2008, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and the Mental Health Care Act, 2017. - Third Session:
Additional Professor Dr. Subhash Soren, also from RINPAS, elaborated on the rights and entitlements of individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities who require legal intervention. He explained the responsibilities of legal service institutions and providers under Section 5.2 of the scheme. - Fourth Session:
LADCS Chief Praveen Kumar Srivastava and Panel Advocate Nityanand Singh focused on the rights and entitlements of persons with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities. They emphasized the importance of ensuring access to legal services for these vulnerable groups.
The training programme aims to equip legal professionals and volunteers with the knowledge and skills required to provide justice and support to persons with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in welfare schemes and upholding their legal rights.
