BUDGAM, OCTOBER 21: In furtherance of its commitment to promoting access to justice and strengthening legal awareness at the grassroots level, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam, under the aegis of the Jammu and Kashmir Legal Services Authority Srinagar organised a series of door-to-door legal awareness and community outreach activities across various villages and blocks of District Budgam during October 2026, as per the scheduled roster of activities.
The programmes, as per an official statement, were conducted by Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) at different locations, including Beerwah, Budgam, Charar Sharief, Khansahib, Narbal, Chadoora and other areas of the district. The primary objective of these initiatives was to sensitise local residents particularly women, children, senior citizens and economically weaker and disadvantaged sections of society about their legal rights, the availability of free legal aid and the role of Legal Services Institutions in ensuring equal access to justice.
During these outreach activities, residents were informed about various schemes and initiatives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), including JAGRITI and DAWN, along with relevant government welfare schemes, such as old-age pension, Ladli Beti, marriage assistance and other social welfare benefits. Awareness was also imparted regarding the Wildlife Conflict Compensation Scheme, 2025, wherever relevant and the eligibility criteria and procedures for applying for such benefits.
Special emphasis was laid on the legal rights of women and children, the protection of senior citizens and the importance of eradicating social evils such as dowry. In this connection, an awareness programme on the theme “Say No to Dowry” was organised at the Legal Literacy Club of Boys Higher Secondary School, Budgam, under the NALSA JAGRITI initiative. The programme highlighted the adverse social consequences of the dowry system, its legal implications and the need to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Students were encouraged to act as ambassadors of social change by spreading awareness within their families and communities.
The outreach programmes also provided an opportunity for direct interaction with residents to understand their concerns and guide them towards appropriate legal remedies and assistance. Issues relating to land records, old-age pension, domicile certificates and other civil matters were brought to the attention of the concerned PLVs during these interactions. Residents were guided, wherever necessary, regarding the appropriate procedures for seeking assistance through Legal Services Institutions and the relevant government departments.
The PLVs also disseminated information regarding the availability of free legal aid services, the functioning of Legal Aid Clinics, mediation facilities and the procedure for approaching the District Legal Services Authority and other Legal Services Institutions. Members of the public were further sensitised about the NALSA toll-free legal aid helpline number 15100, through which eligible persons can seek information and assistance regarding legal aid services.
These door-to-door initiatives reflect the continued efforts of DLSA Budgam to take legal awareness beyond institutional settings and directly reach communities at the grassroots level. Such programmes are aimed at ensuring that lack of awareness, financial hardship or social disadvantage does not become a barrier to accessing justice.
DLSA Budgam reiterates its commitment to promoting legal literacy, facilitating access to free legal aid for eligible persons, strengthening community participation and ensuring that the benefits of legal services reach every section of society.
