THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, February 28: The Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) on Friday launched Project Bal Suraksha, a child protection initiative, during the 6th State-Level Meet of District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) held at Shaurya Sabhagar in Doranda, Ranchi.
The project aims to strengthen child protection mechanisms, ensure effective implementation of child rights laws, and enhance coordination among legal services institutions across the state.
Launch of Project Bal Suraksha and Nyaya Rath Flag-Off
The programme began at 11 am with the formal inauguration by judges of the Jharkhand High Court and other dignitaries.
Along with the launch of Project Bal Suraksha, a Compilation of Schemes and Projects of NALSA and JHALSA was released.
In a significant outreach step, 24 Bolero Multi Utility Vehicles named “Nyaya Rath” were flagged off to improve access to legal services in remote and rural areas of Jharkhand.
Cheques towards victim compensation were distributed during the event. Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and members of the JHALSA workforce were felicitated for their outstanding work.
Stakeholders Discuss Grassroots Challenges
Chairpersons and Secretaries of all DLSAs in Jharkhand, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and their representatives, Legal Aid Defense Counsels, Permanent Lok Adalat Chairpersons, Jail Superintendents, mediators and PLVs attended the meet.
Member Secretary of JHALSA Kumari Ranjana Asthana delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of coordination among institutions.
Justice A.K. Chaudhary said that under the leadership of Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, JHALSA has made significant contributions in delivering legal aid to people standing “last in the queue.” He noted that such platforms help stakeholders from the judiciary, executive, police and jail authorities remove bottlenecks and improve the effectiveness of legal services.
Bridging the Gap Between Intent and Implementation
Justice Ananda Sen stressed that there is often a gap between policy intent and ground-level implementation. He underlined the role of PLVs in bridging this gap.
He explained the concept of injustice through a social example, stating that discrimination within families, such as giving better food to sons than daughters, is often normalized but amounts to injustice. Recognizing such injustice is necessary for delivering true justice, he said.
He also called for motivating and recognizing panel lawyers, adding that small appreciation can make a significant difference. He described the Legal Services Authority as increasingly emerging as a social reform institution for the poor and marginalized.
Focus on Remote Access, Trafficking and POCSO Cases
Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad said justice must reach the “last man in the queue,” including people living in the remotest parts of Jharkhand. He emphasized the
role of district and police administration in implementing welfare schemes.
He described PLVs as the backbone of the legal services system and said they act as coordinators to ensure that government schemes reach the last mile.
He also stressed the need to control trafficking, highlighting rehabilitation of victims as a key solution. On POCSO cases, he said investigations must be conducted with sensitivity, keeping in mind the vulnerability of minors.
Two-Day Meet with Technical Sessions
The vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy Registrar-cum-Deputy Secretary Abhishek Kumar.
The 6th State-Level Meet of DLSAs will continue on March 1, 2026, and will include five technical sessions on various subjects related to legal aid, child protection, victim compensation and access to justice.