Kohima, August 8 (MExN): Three-day induction training for Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) organized by Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) began on August 8 at SIRD, Kohima. Delivering the inaugural address, Justice LS Jamir, Judge, Gauhati High Court and Executive Chairman NSLSA apprised that during the year 2009, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) brought out a scheme called the Para-Legal Volunteers Scheme so that legal aid reaches all sections of people. The scheme, he said, intends to remove the barriers in the access to justice with PLVs acting as intermediaries. Pointing out that PLVs have big role to play as the first point of contact for people seeking legal aid, Justice LS Jamir further said that PLVs are expected to know basic law and available welfare measures. He said that PLVs are also expected to counsel and settle disputes between parties at the source itself so that affected parties do not waste money and time. Justice LS Jamir further encouraged the PLVs to reach out to the people till their doorstep and to render help especially during the time of epidemics and natural calamities. Appreciating the determination of the PLVs in attending the training, he further asked them to go back to their respective districts and teach the meaning of legal service to downtrodden, needy and illiterate. The Executive Chairman also released a Handbook for Para-Legal Volunteers and gave away an amount of Rs. 11.5 Lakh to 8 victims under the Nagaland Victim Compensation Scheme, 2012. Keynote address was delivered by Nino Iralu, Member Secretary NSLSA. Understanding the concept of PLV roles and responsibilities, Do’s and Don’ts was delivered by Alemwapang Ao, Master Trainer (for PLV) NSLSA. Altogether, 77 PLVs from all the 11 districts are attending the training.
