KT News Desk
BUDGAM, OCTOBER 09: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam, organized an Awareness Programme on the NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024 in collaboration with Boys Higher Secondary School, Budgam (LLC).
The primary objective of the NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024 is to ensure accessible, effective, timely, and child-sensitive legal aid to children in need, safeguarding their best interests in all legal, civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings. The scheme also aims to educate communities about the legal protections available to children and to promote a supportive and child-friendly environment throughout legal processes.
The DLSA, Budgam, deputed Chief LADC, Lateef Ahmad Khan and Assistant LADC as resource persons for the event. They delivered insightful presentations on the scheme and raised awareness among participants regarding its objectives and implementation.
In his address, Chief LADC emphasized that the NALSA provides accessible, effective, and child-sensitive legal aid to all children in need, including those with disabilities. He highlighted that this comprehensive scheme consolidates earlier NALSA initiatives on child rights and protection, ensuring that children have access to competent legal practitioners and are empowered to understand their rights, entitlements, and court procedures. He also stressed the importance of community outreach to identify vulnerable children and the need for timely legal support for those requiring protection or assistance.
Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel also addressed the gathering and elaborated that the NALSA (Child Friendly Legal Services for Children) Scheme, 2024 provides children with free, age-appropriate legal services, representation, and a sensitive environment during legal proceedings, ensuring their protection from abuse and exploitation. She further explained that Legal Services Units for Children (LSUCs) play a pivotal role in implementing the scheme by establishing legal aid clinics, training lawyers and para-legal volunteers, conducting awareness programmes, and working closely with child care institutions and police authorities to ensure the adoption of child-friendly procedures and the creation of a safe, child-centric justice system.
