THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Khunti, March 8: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Khunti, organised a Legal Awareness-cum-Empowerment Camp at the Torpa Block Sabhagar on Sunday to mark International Women’s Day, where assets worth around ₹1 crore were distributed to women beneficiaries and female students under various government welfare schemes.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the district administration and witnessed the participation of a large number of women from different parts of the Torpa block.
The event was attended by Rasikesh Kumar, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman of DLSA Khunti, who was the chief guest.
Marking the occasion, he cut a cake along with women participants, symbolising respect and solidarity with women’s empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, he said women are the foundation of human life and society.
“A woman as a mother gives birth to human life and nurtures it with values, love and guidance. Without women, the existence of family, society and civilisation cannot be imagined,” he said, stressing the need for collective efforts to respect, protect and empower women.
Officials highlight women’s empowerment schemes
Parmeswar Munda, AC Khunti, said women’s empowerment is essential for the progress of society and emphasised connecting women with government welfare schemes for economic and social development.
Earlier, Navin Kumar Jha, BDO Torpa, welcomed the dignitaries and appreciated the initiative of DLSA Khunti in organising legal awareness programmes for women.
Legal rights and free legal aid explained
Kamlesh Behra, Secretary of DLSA Khunti, explained the functioning of the legal services authority and informed participants about the availability of free legal aid for eligible persons, particularly women and children.
He also highlighted services provided through panel lawyers and the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System, as well as the provision of court fee exemption for eligible individuals.
Behra informed the gathering about victim compensation schemes available for victims of crimes affecting the human body, including acid attacks, rape, sexual assault and murder. He encouraged people to approach the DLSA office whenever legal assistance is needed and to use the toll-free legal aid helpline number 15100.
Awareness on constitutional rights
Vidyawati Kumari, SDJM Khunti, highlighted important constitutional safeguards for women, including Article 14, Article 16 and Article 39A of the Constitution of India, which ensure equality before law, equal opportunity in employment and equal access to justice.
She also explained several legal provisions related to women’s property rights, the Hindu Marriage Act, Dowry Prohibition Act, child marriage laws, the Immoral Trafficking Act, Zero FIR under BNSS and legal provisions related to termination of pregnancy in specific circumstances.
₹1 crore benefits distributed
During the programme, assets worth nearly ₹1 crore were distributed among women beneficiaries and female students, linking them to various government welfare schemes.
The event concluded with an interactive session between officials and participants, aimed at strengthening awareness about legal rights, access to justice and women’s empowerment initiatives.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Pooja Binha, Circle Officer of Torpa.
