THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Nov. 18: Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Executive Chairman of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), has issued instructions to all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Jharkhand to ensure shelter, safety and essential assistance for homeless individuals during the winter months.
Teams to Identify Homeless Persons at Night
Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad has directed all DLSAs to:
Form teams of panel lawyers, retainer lawyers and paralegal volunteers to conduct night visits and identify homeless persons sleeping on footpaths or pavements, with special focus on women, widows, children and pavement dwellers.
Based on their entitlements, DLSAs have been instructed to take steps to extend social security scheme benefits to the identified homeless individuals.
Coordination With Civic Bodies to Ensure Shelter
Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad has also directed that the Secretary of each District Legal Services Authority, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation or Municipal Council, must visit the shelter homes/night shelters in their districts.
They have been asked to instruct paralegal volunteers and panel lawyers to facilitate shelter for homeless individuals identified during field visits.
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Winter Relief Measures to Prevent Hardship
In coordination with the district administration, the DLSAs have been directed to arrange night-time bonfires and provide blankets, woollen clothing, food and other necessities for vulnerable homeless populations.
Aims to Prevent Winter Hardships and Incidents
Footpath dwellers and other homeless individuals face the greatest hardships during winter, often leading to tragic incidents every year.
JHALSA is working to identify such persons promptly, collaborating with government and non-government organisations, to ensure they receive essential support and protection.
