KUPWARA, AUGUST 24: In a significant outreach initiative aimed at taking legal awareness and access to justice to the remotest and far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kupwara, under the aegis of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA) and in furtherance of the objectives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), Monday organised an awareness programme on the NALSA JAGRITI (Justice Awareness for Grassroots Information and Transparency Initiative) Scheme, 2025, under the theme “Empowered Youth, Stronger India”, at Government Degree College, Tangdhar.
Acting Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Patron-in-Chief and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, was the chief guest on the occasion.
The programme, as per an official statement, was attended by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority; Manjeet Singh Manhas, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kupwara; Shrikant Suse, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara and Syed Tahir Geelani, SSP Kupwara, besides officers of the district administration, police and education department, judicial officers, members of the Bar Association Tangdhar, faculty members, representatives of civil society and students from Government Degree College Tangdhar, Government Higher Secondary Schools and other educational institutions.
Addressing the gathering, Acting Justice Sanjeev Kumar emphasised that legal awareness is an important instrument of empowerment and that the justice delivery system must remain accessible to every section of society. He stressed that geographical distance and difficult terrain should never become a barrier to justice, particularly for people living in remote and frontier areas.
He appreciated NALSA for bringing out the JAGRITI Scheme, 2025, observing that the initiative provides an important framework for taking legal awareness and the benefits of legal services to the grassroots. He particularly appreciated the efforts of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority and DLSA Kupwara for taking the scheme to a remote and frontier area like Tangdhar, thereby giving practical expression to its grassroots philosophy.
The Acting Chief Justice emphasised that rights and duties go hand in hand. While every citizen must be aware of and exercise his or her rights, equal importance must be attached to understanding one’s duties and respecting the rights of others. Such awareness, he observed, creates an environment in which everyone can exercise his or her rights freely, with dignity and responsibility.
He also spoke about youth empowerment and legal literacy, saying that the young people constitute an important force in shaping the future of society. Knowledge of law, constitutional values, rights and responsibilities, he said, enables young persons to make informed decisions and become responsible citizens.
Addressing the issues concerning children and juvenile justice, the Acting Chief Justice emphasised the need for a sensitive, child-friendly and rehabilitative approach towards children in conflict with law. He stressed that children should not be permanently labelled for mistakes committed at a young age and highlighted the importance of counselling, education, parental care, guidance and rehabilitation in helping them return to a constructive path.
He also drew attention to the growing challenge of substance abuse and drug trafficking, particularly among youth, emphasising that the menace cannot be addressed through punitive measures alone. He called for equal focus on prevention, early identification, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation and urged the young people facing difficulties to seek help without fear or stigma.
On mental health, the Acting Chief Justice observed that mental and emotional well-being deserves the same attention as physical health. He called upon the parents, teachers and society to create an environment in which children and young people can speak about their concerns without fear or judgment. He also encouraged them to remain closely engaged with their children and understand their emotional well-being, friendships and online activities.
He highlighted the challenges associated with the digital environment, including cyber fraud, online harassment, identity misuse and misinformation. He emphasised the importance of digital awareness and responsible use of technology.
The Acting Chief Justice encouraged the girls and young women to pursue education, acquire skills, seek opportunities and participate fully in decision-making and public life. He said that their empowerment and equal participation are essential for the progress of society.
Calling for a proactive approach by the legal services institutions, he emphasised that District Legal Services Authorities, Taluk Legal Services Committees, Panel Lawyers and Para-Legal Volunteers must reach out to people who need assistance rather than waiting for them to approach legal services institutions. He stressed that legal awareness generated through JAGRITI should not remain confined to a single programme but should be carried forward continuously through schools, colleges, villages and communities.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kupwara, highlighted the importance of taking legal services and awareness initiatives to remote and frontier areas.
Thereafter, various speakers, including the Secretary, DLSA Kupwara, sensitised the gathering about the NALSA JAGRITI Scheme, 2025, its objectives, grassroots philosophy and the mechanism envisaged for its implementation. They highlighted the need for sustained legal awareness through schools, colleges, Legal Literacy Clubs, Para-Legal Volunteers, Legal Services Authorities, Taluk Legal Services Committees and other local institutions.
The speakers explained that the JAGRITI Scheme, Justice Awareness for Grassroots Information and Transparency Initiative, seeks to take legal knowledge and the benefits of legal services closer to the people. Its underlying philosophy is that awareness of rights and duties should not remain confined to courts or legal institutions but should reach citizens in their communities, educational institutions and other places of everyday interaction. The initiative seeks to move from mere legal awareness towards legal empowerment, enabling people to understand their rights and duties, identify available remedies and know where and how to seek legal assistance.
Dr. Adil, representing IMHANS-K, thereafter addressed the gathering on mental health and emotional well-being. He sensitised the students and participants about the importance of recognising mental health concerns at an early stage, seeking timely professional assistance and creating a supportive and stigma-free environment for persons experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties.
The programme also witnessed a cultural programme presented by the artists and students. The students performed a skit based on the theme of drug trafficking, highlighting its harmful impact on individuals, families and society.
As part of the outreach initiative, a medical camp was also organised for the local population, where free medical consultation, treatment and medicines were provided to a large number of people.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Sadaf Rauf, Professor, Government Degree College, Tangdhar.
