KERALA STATE LEGAL SERVICES AUTHORITY

BEST DLSA 2018: DLSA, PATHANAMTHITTA

INTRODUCTION

The District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta, Kerala conducted

several programmes in tune with various NALSA Schemes apart from other

regular programmes on Legal awareness, providing legal aid organising Lok Adalat

etc in a schematic manner to achieve the objective of “ Access to Justice to All” .

The marginalised sections of the society that required immediate attention were

identified in a systematic manner and adequate support was provided to them

through specific outreach and respond programmes with support from

Government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations wherever

necessary.

The Court annexed legal service was provided to several eligible persons by

appointing Panel lawyers and providing assistance to ensure competent legal

services. Several legal awareness programmes targeting specific categories were

conducted. Panel lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers were deputed to the legal

aid clinics including Jail, JJB, Maintenance tribunals and Consumer Forum.

Specific attention was provided on the following areas and groups:

1. Legal services to children

2. Counselling for children

3. Migrant labourers

4. Persons suffering from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation etc

5. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled tribes

6. Tribals 7. Transgenders

8. Disaster victims

9. Under Trial prisoners 10. Save environment

11. Senior Citizens

12. Poverty alleviation

13. Anti-drug awareness

14. E-waste Management

15. Green protocol 16. Legal awareness

17. Legal aid

18. Settlement of disputes through Lok Adalat

The multifaceted activities, with emphasis on specific NALSA

schemes, which have caught the imagination of one and all, were considered by

the Hon’ble Executive Chairman of this State Authority to nominate this DLSA as

the best DLSA in the state in 2018. A summary of activities is given below.

Member Secretary

Important activities of DLSA, Pathanamthitta from 1.9.2017 to 31.8.2018

SPECIAL PROGRAMME IN TUNE WITH NALSA SCHEMES

[NALSA – [Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection] Scheme, 2015

NICE (NALSA Intervention of Child Friendly Environment)

NICE is a project to create awareness among students against sexual

violence, drug abuse and cyber abuses.

This programme was conducted with the active participation of Child Line

and Students Police Cadets.

79 programmes benefitting 14623 school students and 5700 students from

12 colleges were conducted.

VELICHAM

This is a project to provide awareness to children in the age group of 5 to 18

on Narcotics, Cyber Law, Traffic Act, Sexual violence, Value based education,

Health and Legal Services.

Activities organised during the summer vacation, with the active

participation of CDPO’s, Supervisors and Anaganawadi Teachers and

Anganwadies of the district.

In each Anganwadies 4 classes were given to the children with the

assistance of Child Line, and officials of Excise, Police and Health

Departments.

205000 students attended the classes.

It is a unique programme. The large number of participation of children

made the programme success.

ATHIJEEVANAM

ATHIJEEVANAM is a project of District Legal Services Authority and District

Child Protection Unit to make available all services to the Children through one

window.

ATHIJEEVANAM centres will be started in each block headquarters to

provide Legal Service, Medical Services, Counselling to children and make

them familiar with all the beneficial schemes.

Training was given to 180 selected teachers in the district, 35 Counsellors

and 63 Special Juvenile Police Officer and 75 Excise Officers. T

The project is approved by the Government of Kerala.

KAVAL

This is a project of Government of Kerala to rehabilitate children in conflict

with law and to do necessary follow up. The District Legal Services Authority is

selected as the Nodal agency in Pathanamthitta district to monitor the activities.

NALSA [Legal Services to the Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Persons] Scheme, 2015

NIRAMAYA INSURANCE SCHEME

Niramaya is the insurance scheme introduced by the National Trust for

the persons suffering from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and

Multiple disabilities.

Till 2017, only 40 persons from Pathanamthitta joined the scheme.

The District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta started awareness

programmed through 4300 Anaganawadi teachers and workers about the

scheme and thereby 3000 beneficiaries from the district, out of the total

9000 beneficiaries, joined the scheme in the state. [30% of the

beneficiaries in the entire state].

The District Legal Services Authority is able to renew the subscription of

all the 3000 persons who joined in the scheme, 2017.

The District Legal Services Authority could achieve this only through the

continuous awareness programmes conducted about the scheme.

NALSA [Legal Services to the Workers in the Unorganized Sector] Scheme, 2015

SAATHI

The project SAATHI aims to protect the rights of migrant labourers in the

district.

The District Legal Services Authority conducted 9 Legal Services Camps

and Medical camps for the migrant labourers with the co-ordination of

various Government Departments and organizations.

Through the Legal Services Camps 14500 migrant labourers from the

district were enrolled in the Awaz Insurance Scheme introduced by the

State Labour Department.

16000 migrant labourers attended in the Medical Camps. Other

Government Departments were also rendered their services in the

Camps.

The project is a big success in this district.

Necessary follow up action is taken wherever required.

NALSA [Effective Implementation of Poverty Alleviation], Scheme, 2015

ORUMA

The DLSA could extend support to complete construction of houses to the

residents, who are aged above 80 yrs., of Ambedkar colony, Adoor by effectively

coordinating with the departments concerned and continuous monitoring.

The construction of four houses allotted to the scheduled caste persons

under the M N housing Scheme at Ambedkar Colony, Adoor was not

completed due to lack of funds. The families constructed the houses till

the lintel level. They were living in tents near the incomplete

construction.

As per the request from Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, the

SC Department formed a Scheme ORUMA to complete the construction

and allotted ₹ 4 Lakhs each to complete construction of the said four

houses.

All the beneficiaries were aged 80 and above. As requested by the

Secretary District Legal Services Authority, Government decided to

construct the houses through Nirmithi Kendra instead of handing over

the amount to the beneficiaries.

The foundation stone for the houses were laid down in May and the

construction is going on in full swing under the supervision of District

Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta.

The construction will be completed and the key of the houses be handed

over in October.

GRAMA SPARSHAM

This is a project of District Legal Services Authority in association with the

Sathya Sai Seva Samithy to make the residents of Kottuppara ward in Perunad

panchayath self-sufficient.

The District Legal Services Authority and Sathya Sai Seva Samithy took

over Kottuppara ward in Perunad Panchayat. The aim of the Project is

to make the people of the said village [Gramam] self-sufficient.

The District Legal Services Authority convened meeting of all

Government Departments and steps taken to construct 20 houses under

Life Scheme.

5 Latrines were already constructed.

One wheel chair and hearing aid were handed over to the beneficiaries.

Support to the family of Sri. Vijayan: He was bedridden due to a fall

from the top of a house. The family of Vijayan was provided all the

support, including medication and other helps.

The Children were provided support to continue studies.

Decided to take over the Government U.P School in the Gramam

[village] to provide infrastructure like Water Purifier and also other

facilities to the children.

BEGGERS FREE AND HUNGER FREE MUNICIPALITY

The project of District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta is

supported by the Pathanamthitta Municipality, Kennedy Chacko Charitable Trust

and Vyapari Vyavasai Ekopana Samithy. This is the first project of this kind in the

State.

The Pathanamthitta Municipality was declared as Beggar Free and

Hunger Free Municipality.

The Kennedy Trust took over 5 beggars from the Municipal area and

rehabilitated at the Kennedy Trust’s house, the NEST. Others left the

Municipal limits.

Kennedy Trust is providing daily Break Fast, Lunch and Dinner for needy

persons within the Municipal area on the basis of the coupons issued

from District Legal Services Authority.

The food is served in the Court premises, Police Station, Municipal Office

and Civil Station.

About 25 persons are using this facility everyday

SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME FOR WOMEN MEMBERS

As part of the effective implementation of NALSA Scheme, 2015 ‘Effective

Implementation of Poverty Alleviation’, sensitisation programme was organized

for the women Panchayat members. Members from Thiruvalla, Mallappally,

Kozhencherry and Konni Taluks were attended the programme. 200 members

attended the programme.

NALSA [Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights] Scheme, 2015

SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR 38 NOMADIC TRIBAL FAMILIES IN SABARIMALA FOREST

The District Legal Services Authority along with Sri. Sathya Sai Seva

Samithy took over 38 nomadic tribal families residing in Sabarimala

forest at Nilackal.

A meeting of the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, President

and members of Travancore Devaswam Board and officers of Tribal

Department was held on 14.08.2018 at Nilackal.

As per the request of the District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta

the Devaswam Board agreed to give 5 cents of land each to 38 families at

Nilackal and to give a placement in the Devaswom Board to one person

from each family immediately.

The Tribal Department turned up to construct houses for each family at

Niackal. This is a great achievement of District Legal Services Authority,

Pathanamthitta in the activities for implementation of NALSA scheme for

protection of tribal rights.

NALSA [Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation] Scheme, 2015

SANTHWANAM

This is a project of the District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta

for the Transgenders in this district.

120 Transgenders and 800 MSM persons are in this district.

As part of rehabilitation of the Transgenders an Art troupe named ‘KALA

SAGARIKA’ was formed with the assistance of District Legal Services

Authority, Pathanamthitta.

Two special Kudumbasree units were formed.

Identity cards and licences were issued by the support of District Legal

Services Authority, Pathanamthitta.

Several projects submitted by the Transgenders with the support of

District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta, for their rehabilitation

was approved by the Kudumbasree Mission.

NALSA [Legal Services to Disaster Victims through Legal Services Authorities] Scheme, 2010 DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH KERALA DELUGE-2018

Pathanamthitta is one of the worst affected districts in the unprecedented.

DLSA stepped in with immediate support during rescue operations

The district administration opened 515 relief camps in various parts of

the district and accommodated 125000 disaster victims.

The team of District Legal Services Authority worked round the clock to

co-ordinate the rescue activities. The team from DLSA visited about

12000 flood affected houses with the assistance of NSS volunteers and

Para Legal Volunteers.

The Secretary, District Legal Services Authority visited almost all the

relief camps in the district and settled several issues with the co-

ordination of the district administration.

Opened collection and distribution centres and distributed all types of

relief materials directly to the victims. DLSA distributed relief materials

worth about 15 Lakhs to 3000 disaster victims directly.

Help Desks were opened with the support and co-ordination from Para

Legal Volunteers and workers of Sathya Sai Seva Samithy.

House campaigns were conducted to identify persons who lost their

records in the flood.

Decided to conduct Legal Services Camps with the support of all the

Government Departments to issue duplicate copies of the documents

lost in flood.

Decided to start rehabilitation work with the help of Pankaja Kshturi

Group and Sri. Sathya Sai Seva Samithy. As part of rehabilitation work re-

construction of the residence of Smt. Saraswathi, Sarath Bhavan,

Pandalam was started at an estimated cost of Rupees 3,00,000/-

The key of the house will be handed over on 15.09.2018.

NALSA [Legal Services to Senior Citizens] Scheme, 2016

SUKRUTHAM

As part of the implementation of NALSA Scheme, 2016 ‘Legal Services to

Senior Citizens’, this authority has inaugurated the project with the

name ‘SUKRUTHAM’.

Awareness classes were conducted to various stake holders.

LEGAL SERVICES CAMP

The new model legal services camps with emphasis on empowerment

rather than awareness was conducted at different places in tune with the

guidelines issued by NALSA. The Legal Services Camps were organised in rural

areas, slums, labour colonies.

The core themes were Legal Services to Workers in the unorganized

sector and Protection and enforcement of Tribal Rights.

The camps were arranged with the co-operation of various Government

Departments.

In the Legal Services Camps and Medical camps for migrant workers

Awaz insurance cards were issued. Several petitions involving various

issues received from migrant workers were considered and resolved.

Nine camps were conducted for migrant labourers

In the legal services camp held in February 2018 on the core theme of

protection of tribal rights, about 1200 tribals attended.

The issues with regard to the issuance of Aadhar card, Voters Id, Ration

card were considered and resolved.

DIGITISATION OF LEGAL LITERACY CLUBS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS

As directed by the National Legal Services Authority Legal Literacy clubs

were established in 5 schools, one each in 5 Taluks of this district, by providing

computer, furniture, books

Schools with digitised legal literacy clubs

M.S.H.S.S Ranni

M.G.M.H.S.S Thiruvalla

Netaji Higher Secondary School Pramadom

Amrita Vidyalayam Pandalam

Amrita Vidyalayam Pathanamthitta.

DIGITISATION OF LEGAL SERVICES CLINIC IN JAIL

District Jail, Pathanamthitta is the only jail in the district.

The legal services clinic functioning in the district jail was digitised.

Computer, furniture, books etc. were provided

OTHER PROGRAMMES

The District Legal Services Authority, Pathanamthitta conducted various

awareness programmes for Senior Citizens, ICDS Supervisors, Grama Panchayat

Secretaries, ST Promoters, Tribal promoters, Anganwadi teachers, and Social

Science teachers.

OBSERVANCE OF LEGAL SERVICES DAY - “Connecting to Serve”

09.11.2017 to 18.11.2017

This authority observed Legal Services Day with the ten days Nationwide

campaign namely “Connecting to Serve” from 09.11.2017 to 18.11.2017.

The District Legal Service Authorities and TLSCs carried out the door-to-

door campaign systematically from 9/11/2017 to 18/11/2017 to reach out

to the weaker and marginalized sections of society.

The door – to – door campaign was initiated by the Para Legal Volunteers.

They distributed notice, pamphlets, brochures etc reflecting about the

objectives and activities of Legal Services Institutions.

As part of this campaign, walkathon and bike rallies were organized on

09.11.2018. NSS volunteers from N.S.S College Pandalam and Catholicate

College participated in the walkathon and bike rallies respectively.

Evening shows were arranged at Public Places through Law on Wheels to

sensitise the public.

From 09.9.2017 to 18.9.2017, Legal Assistance Desks were established at

the Court premises and at different Govt. Institutions in all the taluks.

Teams of Panel Lawyers PLVs were deputed at the Legal Assistance Desks.

They provided classes on public awareness about the availability of free

legal services and the functions and activities of Legal Services institutions.

INTERNSHIP FOR LAW STUDENTS

11 interns from law schools attended internship programme

QUIZ COMPETITION FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

7th Level State Quiz Competition was organized for students of Higher

Secondary Schools.

DECLARATION OF GREEN PROTOCOL

Green Protocol was implemented in the office of District Legal Services

Authority, Pathanamthitta and Taluk Legal Services Committees in the district

with a total ban on use of disposable plastic materials.

As part of the project, a Green Protocol Committee was set up with a

Nodal Officer and 2 Members. The members of the office staff are

bringing their lunch to the office only in reusable containers. Plastic

carry bags were banned in office. The use of disposable or one time

usable materials was stopped.

Affixed the brochures spreading awareness on Green Protocol.

ANTI – NARCOTIC CAMPAIGN

On 26.06.2018 a campaign and seminar was organized by this authority, in

connection with the observance of Anti Narcotic day, in association with the Child

Protection Unit, Pathanamthitta.

WORLD DAY AGAINST CHILD LABOUR – ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION

The World day against child labour is observed on 12th of June, 2018. This

authority was conducted an essay writing competition in Malayalam on the topic

‘Child Labour’ for the school and college students in this district. The Essay

Writing Competition was conducted in allied with 10 schools and 4 colleges from

this district. About 112 students were participated in the competition.

A WEEK LONG CAMPAIGN ON KERALA VICTIM COMPENSATION SCHEME

Conducted a week long campaign on Kerala Victim Compensation Scheme

on 23.07.2018 to 28.07.2018 to spread awareness about the scheme to general

public so as to help the victims to get the benefit under the scheme.

The awareness classes were arranged in association with the Social

Justice Department, Women and Child Development department,

Nirbhaya Cell and Police Departments.

The classes were conducted for the Advocates, Local body Members,

Anganwadi teachers, ASHA workers, Kudumbasree members of 53

Panchayats and 8 Block Panchayats in the district.

Distributed about 12000 pamphlets through Para Legal Volunteers as

part of the house campaign for the effective implementation of the

scheme.

About 17000 people and 800 Advocates attended the awareness

programmes under the campaign.

AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON E-WASTE MANAGEMENT

The campaign on E-waste Management was arranged by this authority

in association with the Suchitwa Mission and Clean Kerala Company, in

8 Block Panchayaths and 5 Colleges in this district.

About 11400 College students and other persons participated in the

awareness programmes on the alarming increase in the accumulation of

E-waste in India and the consequences thereof.

STATISTICS

Legal Aid Beneficiaries

Category Number of Beneficiaries

Women 170

Custody 205

ST 2

General 71

SC 21

Persons With Disability

4

Children 2

JJB 1

Total 476

Legal Literacy Programmes

Mode/place of awareness programme

No. of programme held

No. of persons attended

School/College/University 102 20323

Village/Community Centre 766 50417

Jail/other custodial home 1

Slum and labour colonies 2 230

Melas/Exhibitions (Camp) 41 10511

Community Radio 11 510000

Others 3 1482

Total 926 592963

Cases settled in Lok Adalat other than National Adalat

Category Considered Settled Amount

Pending cases

PLP Pending cases

PLP

Crl. Compoundable 268 20 32 5 2,85,000

N.I Act cases 129 35 7 2 28,23,500

Bank Recovery 3 1018 2 268 27,61,114

MACT 40 - 7 8,70,000

Matrimonial 2 234 2 69 3,65,200

Other Civil 83 1020 24 133 54,39,866

Revenue - 136 - 13 -

Others - PLP - 4221 753 33,95,374

Total 525 6684 74 1243 1,59,40,054

Cases settled in National Lok Adalat

Category Considered Settled Amount

Pending cases

PLP Pending cases

PLP

Crl.

Compoundable

1531 24 100 3 -

Civil 1926 6790 64 1292 68,90,178

N.I Act cases 1244 - 62 - 37,06,870

MACT 2200 - 978 - 17,82,38,000

Matrimonial

Disputes

938 70 40 10 46,000

LAR/EP Cases - - - - -

Bank Recovery 854 4881 145 1168 10,24,67,117

Labour Disputes 12 - 10 - -

Water Bills - 63 - 7 1,78,267

Others - PLP - 14061 - 1675 1,61,74,414

Total 8705 25889 1399 4155 30,77,00,846

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Inauguration of distribution of Niramaya Insurance cards

Medical camp for migrant labourers

Legal services camp for migrant labourers

Legal services camp for tribals

Legal services camp for tribals

Beggar free city

Legal Awareness Programme

Audience in a programme under the project NICE

Distribution of wheel chairs