Legal awareness prog held in Zunheboto

Zunheboto, September 25 (MExN): Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA) organized a legal awareness programme on National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Schemes 2015 with special focus on NALSA (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme, 2015 at Cornerstone School, Zunheboto on September 24. Students from two premier schools of Zunheboto, Sun Beam School and Cornerstone School, attended the programme, which began with an invocation prayer by Avi, Counsellor of Cornerstone School.  

The introduction and keynote address on the theme of the programme was delivered by Atoka Achumi, Judicial Magistrate First Class, Zunheboto. A short speech was delivered by Bendanginla, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Zunheboto, who spoke on the various Acts and legislations available for the benefit of the tribal people. The main resource person for the programme, Tovi Z. Yeptho, Retainer Lawyer, ZDLSA spoke on the provisions of the NALSA (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme, 2015 drawing emphasis on its parallel with the various legislations for the protection and enforcement of the tribal way of life, informed a press release from Atoka Achumi, Secretary, ZDLSA. In addition, Tovi dwelled on the basic provisions of law while speaking on Right to Information Act, Consumer Protection Act, Domestic Violence Act, Constitutional provisions for the protection of women from exploitation and gender justice, Prohibition of smoking in public places, Cyber crimes, Prohibition of child labour, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Motor Vehicles Act, Juvenile Justice Act and other relevant laws and legislations that a citizen should be informed of in the present day.  

The speaker also highlighted the provisions of legal aid and free legal services provided by the District Legal Services Authority to SCs/STs, economically weaker sections of society, and marginalized groups.  

An interactive session and question hour was conducted for the participating students with Tavinto Chishi of Cornerstone School as the moderator. The programme concluded with a benediction by the School Chaplain.  

Legal literacy programme held in Khuza village

Dimapur, September 25 (MExN): A Legal Awareness & Literacy Programme was organized by Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA) at Khuza Village on September 24.   Representatives from four other villages - Mutasle village, Suthotsu Village, Tuhephu village and Chepoketa village- attended the combine programmme, a PDLSA press note informed.  

Starting the programme, District & Sessions Judge and chairman of PDLSA Longshi Ezung apprised the participants about the concept of civil action.  

Rokuvolu, a PDLSA Panel Lawyer highlighted on various Legal aspects on Domestic Violence. She illustrated various schemes National Legal Services Authority has undertaken in 2015 and explained the benefits and welfare of the schemes. It includes Victims of trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Scheme; Legal Services to the Workers in the Unorganized Sector Scheme; Child Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection Scheme; Legal Services to the Mentally Ill and Mentally Disabled Persons Scheme; Effective Implementation of Poverty Alleviation Schemes Scheme; Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights Scheme;  Legal Services to the Victims of Drug Abuse and Eradication of Drug Menace Scheme.  

A basic literacy and awareness on Right to Information (RTI) and Consumer Protection Act was given by Akro while Kenei presented a quick look on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act Schemes (MGNREGA) highlighting the benefits and provisions of the Schemes. Both are PDLSA panel lawyer.  

The concept and functioning of Lok Adalat (the People’s Court) was explained by another panel laywer Vero where he said that the Lok Adalat was created for speedy and amicable settlement of cases and disputes. It is also inexpensive with no Court fee and settles disputes on immediate basis, he added.  

Later in the programme, Civil Judge and Secretary of PDLSA spoke on the topic ‘The Village council Act, 1978’ & Powers and functions of the Subordinate/District customary courts in the State of Nagaland.’ 

He also illustrated the different judicial and administrative powers vested on the village Council body and its functionary structure. The programme commenced with a short speech by Khuza Village Council Chairman.