Orientation program on 'Legal Assistance to the Family Members of the Prisoners'

Imphal, 14th May, 2019

Orientation program on 'Legal Assistance to the Family Members of the Prisoners'

A one day legal orientation program under the theme “Legal Assistance to the Family Members of the Prisoners” was organized at Conference Hall, Manipur State Legal Services Authority, ADR Building, Lamphel Court Complex. The event was organized as part of statewide campaign to provide free of cost legal assistance and other services to the family members of the prisoners by Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) starting 1st May 2019.

Member Secretary of Manipur State Legal Service Authority, G. Gaiphulshillu stated, “If we look at the criminal justice system, it takes into account only two sets of people, that is, the victim and the offender. But, there is another section i.e. the innocent family of the prisoners, who suffer due to incarceration of their bread earners. Keeping this in view the campaign has been launched as per the directives of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to provide free legal aid to the family members and dependents of prisoners.”

Orientation program on 'Legal Assistance to the Family Members of the Prisoners'

Sadananda Sorokhaibam, Deputy Member Secretary, MASLSA gave a detail overview of the campaign objectives , implementation steps, timeline and outcomes and manner of conducting interaction with inmates which includes due respect to their fundamental rights, privacy, confidentiality, sensitiveness etc.

The program provided awareness on the various welfare schemes (central and state sponsored) for the vulnerable and marginalized section of the society. W. Birahari Singh, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department highlighted several social welfare schemes: benefits and entitlements such as widow pension, old age pension, sponsorship for children, Chief Ministergi Shotharabasingi Tengbang (CMST) etc. and the importance of possession of social security cards to access the benefits.

Orientation program on 'Legal Assistance to the Family Members of the Prisoners'

Thongsuanmung Vualnam, Consultant, National Health Authority gave an overview of the various health schemes and programs in Manipur, their benefits and entitlements such Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), CMHT (Chief Minister Hakshelgi Tengbang, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and others.

The event was participated by around 50 nominated Advocates and Para Legal Volunteers from all the districts of Manipur. A resource pool of the nominated Advocates and Para Legal Volunteers has been formed in each district of the state to interact with the jail inmates. The Resource Pool shall analyze the issues of the jail inmates and conduct interaction with the family members of the inmates besides informing them about the activities of Legal Services Authorities and schemes of central and state government.

Orientation program on 'Legal Assistance to the Family Members of the Prisoners'