DLSAs conduct legal awareness on ‘Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme 2012’

Dimapur, February 19 (MExN): District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) under the aegis of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) has been conducting awareness programme on “Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012” with youth/women organization at different areas.

The scheme has been introduced for the purpose of compensation to the victims or dependents who have suffered loss or injury as a result of crime and require rehabilitation. 

Kohima: The Kohima DLSA on February 15 conducted the legal awareness programme at Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church, Kohima with the youth. District Retainer Lawyer Sunjib Rana said that the scheme is not to compensate victims for crime nor can compensate the loss, victims have suffered, “however, it aims to provide hope and security to the victims of such unfortunate incident.” The scheme mainly focuses on women/children victims of crimes including rape, murder, domestic violence, trafficking. He added that in some instances, even men folks are victims of such crimes. Rana also pointed out that most of such crimes are not reported or kept hidden due of fear or social stigma and due to which victims are not delivered justice.

The KDLSA team also sensitized on other acts including Motor Vehicle Act, Legal Aid & Lok Adalat and Cyber Law. Nagali Shohe, Panel Lawyer talking on ‘Cyber Law’ urged the youth to be more vigil while mentioning sections such as sec 43, 66, 67 of the IT Act which includes crimes and punishment of cyber crimes. Aketoli J Yeptho, Panel Lawyer said that legal aid services provides free legal assistance like legal consultation, drafting, or any legal related queries to the public and provides free legal services to anyone whose  income is below one lakh rupees.  Awareness on Motor Vehicle Act was shared by Mika H Aye, Panel Lawyer. The awareness programme was attended by more than 130 beneficiaries.

Kiphire: Kiphire DLSA organized the legal seminar at DC Conference Hall, Kiphire on February 15 with youth and women organizations of different churches. Resource person N Kano, Secretary DLSA & CJM Kiphire said that the scheme was framed on December 18 wherein it provides for availing compensation fund to the victims who has suffered loss or injury as a result of crime. He stated that the maximum limit of compensation ranges from Rs 200000 (two lakh) to Rs 20000 (twenty thousand) depending on the nature of loss or injury. Such of them include loss of life, rape, loss of any limb or part of body resulting in 40% handicap, rehabilitation etc. The DLSAs shall award the compensation and the same shall be forwarded to Secretary, Relief and Rehabilitation, Home Department for approval. He urged the participants to convey the message to others.

Kunyangli Sangtam, Panel Lawyer shared about the aims and objectives of free legal service and free legal aid to marginalized section of society. The programme was chaired by Rebica T Sangtam, District Project Assistant and welcome note was delivered by Asuthong, PLV. The programme was attended by 41 participants. 

Peren: Peren DLSA organized the awareness on February 13 at Jalukie B. Asungbe, Retainer lawyer Peren DLSA highlighted the working of legal services authority. Italang, Panel Lawyer spoke on "Nagaland victim compensation scheme 2012" and instructed procedures to apply for the scheme. Asuni, Panel Lawyer spoke on domestic violence. Around 30 beneficiaries attended the programme.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung DLSA conducted an awareness programme at Yimyu Baptist Church with women organisation on the topic "Nagaland Victim Compensation Act 2012. Resource person I Imkong Jamir, Retainer Lawyer also spoke on Domestic Violence Act 2015. Altogether 47 beneficiaries attended.

Longleng: Longleng DLSA conducted the awareness cum consultative meeting with Tamlu ad-hoc town committee and President Phomla Hoichem Tamlu Unit on February 6 at Tamlu Town. P Monyei Phom, Panel Lawyer gave keynote address on the “Right to Legal Aid’’ and how DLSAs aide the underprivileged to avail justice. The town committee executive led by Chairman and President, Phomla Hoichem Tamlu unit also called to set up a Legal Aid Clinic at the sub division, as it covers a large population and area.