MASLSA holds Legal Awareness cum Welfare Programme for Central Jail inmates
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 27 2026: The Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) organised a Legal Awareness-cum-Welfare Programme for inmates of Manipur Central Jail, Imphal, on Saturday.

Justice A Bimol Singh, Judge, High Court of Manipur and Executive Chairman, MASLSA, attended as chief guest.

He said freedom and liberty are among the most cherished human values and stressed that MASLSA conducts such programmes to instil hope and support prisoners' reformation and rehabilitation.

He noted that the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) has been set up in every district to provide free legal representation and assured that undertrial prisoners and convicts need not worry about engaging private counsel, as free aid is readily available.

Guest of honour Justice A Guneshwar Sharma said MASLSA plays a dual roleensuring free legal aid for unrepresented inmates and improving their quality of life through welfare initiatives, vocational training, and livelihood programmes to make them self-reliant after release.

Dr IK Muivah, ADGP (HR/HG) and In-charge IG of Prisons, acknowledged MASLSA's legal assistance and periodic distribution of essential items.

He appealed to the High Court for support in video conferencing for trials in far-flung districts, citing escort shortages and security concerns that delay physical production and speedy trial.

He added that the Home Minister, during a recent visit to Sajiwa Jail, assured vocational training for inmates.

He also sought telemedicine access to specialist doctors and psychiatrists for inmate consultations.

MASLSA Member Secretary Alek Muivah said Legal Aid Clinics are functional in both state prisons with competent panel advocates.

He added that Legal Aid Help Desks will soon be established in Mulaqati areas to assist families visiting inmates.

In the technical session.

Additional Member Secretary S Mangaleibi Devi spoke on prisoners' rights and statutory entitlements, including free legal aid.

Gurumayum Ravi Sharma, Administrator, Women Helpline-181, highlighted welfare schemes and vocational training such as tailoring and weaving to enhance livelihood opportunities.

The inmates presented a group song.

Dresses for women inmates, shirts and pants for men, and toys for children staying with their mothers were distributed.

The programme was attended by DGP (Prisons) Arvind Kumar, Jail Superintendent SK Bhadrika, Deputy Member Secretary Fakhrul Islam Choudhury, and Advocate S Devananda, Media In-charge, MASLSA.

A total of 48 inmates, along with MASLSA and jail officials, participated.

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