International Youth Day: DLSA Khunti holds twin legal awareness camps
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Khunti, August 12: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Khunti, organised two simultaneous legal awareness camps on Wednesday…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Khunti, August 12: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Khunti, organised two simultaneous legal awareness camps on Wednesday to mark International Youth Day under the NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme, 2025, with the theme “Empowered Youth, Stronger India”.
The programmes were organised pursuant to directions issued by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), under the guidance of DLSA Khunti Chairman and Principal District & Sessions Judge Rasikesh Kumar.
Peer-to-Peer Legal Literacy Session at CM School of Excellence
The first programme was organised at CM School of Excellence, Khunti, as a peer-to-peer legal literacy session.
Members of the school’s Legal Literacy Club—Prawesh Toppo, Kanak Kumari and Anwesha Bhagat—sensitised students about witchcraft-related practices (Daayan Pratha), social evils, drug abuse and child marriage.
Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel Rajeev Kamal attended the programme as the guest speaker and spoke about the importance of youth empowerment. He encouraged students to pursue their goals with determination, devotion and dedication, which he described as the “3-D Model.”
The school principal and faculty members also addressed the students and encouraged them to become responsible citizens and play an active role in bringing about positive social change.
Legal Awareness Camp Held at Sub-Jail
The second awareness camp was organised at Sub-Jail, Khunti, where Civil Judge (Senior Division)-cum-Secretary, DLSA Khunti, Kamlesh Behra, addressed the inmates.
The inmates were informed that legal representation is a fundamental right. They were told that they could engage a lawyer of their choice and, if unable to afford legal representation, could avail themselves of free legal aid through DLSA Khunti.
The inmates were also briefed about the functioning of the Prison Legal Aid Clinic, the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System and the role of Jail Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and Community PLVs in assisting inmates with applications seeking various forms of legal relief.
Inmates Briefed on Bail and Under-Trial Review
The officials explained the functioning of the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC), which recommends the release of eligible inmates, particularly those involved in petty or compoundable offences, in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
The inmates were also briefed on Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, relating to release on bail after an undertrial has undergone detention for a specified proportion of the maximum sentence. The provision allows consideration for release after one-half of the maximum sentence has been undergone and, in the case of first-time offenders, after one-third, subject to the statutory conditions.
Focus on Welfare Schemes and Rehabilitation
The Secretary also explained the functioning of Mulakat Help Desks, through which family members of inmates are contacted and appropriate applications are facilitated for linking eligible families with government welfare schemes.
Inmates were further apprised of the rules governing premature release of convicted prisoners who have completed 20 years of imprisonment, as well as government welfare schemes relating to family counselling and rehabilitation-linked legal support.
Through the two initiatives—one aimed at school students and the other at young people in custody—DLSA Khunti reiterated its commitment to the JAGRITI Scheme’s objective of promoting an empowered and legally aware youth population.
