REASI, JULY 28: The Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of LAC Kunderdhan, through TLSC Mahore, conducted an awareness programme on the Children Helpline number 1098 at Primary School Kunderdhan, Seasonal Centre Dewal Marg Mahore, LAC Channa Neosi and other places in Tehsil Mahore.

Participants, including school children, teachers and locals were informed that Child Helpline 1098 is a 24×7 emergency toll-free service providing immediate assistance to children in distress, including cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation, child labour, trafficking, missing children and children in need of care and protection. They were encouraged to seek timely help whenever a child faces danger. The PLVs also highlighted the availability of free legal aid for eligible persons under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.

A second programme, on Mediation and Pre-Litigation Matter Applications was organised at PYT Thillo by the PLVs of Legal Aid Clinic (LAC) Chassana. Participants were sensitised on mediation as a speedy, amicable method of resolving disputes without prolonged litigation. The PLVs explained that family, property, financial, neighbourhood and other civil disputes can be settled through pre-litigation mediation before cases are filed in court, and guided the public on filing Pre-Litigation Matter Applications before the Legal Services Institutions.

A third programme, on the Role of Legal Aid Clinics, was organised at Government Higher Secondary School, Gran Goswan, Reasi, by the PLVs of DLSA Reasi. The resource person explained that Legal Aid Clinics offer the poor, marginalised, women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable sections free legal advice, assistance and guidance, and that PLVs help bridge the gap between the legal system and the community. Attendees were also made aware of welfare schemes implemented through NALSA and J&K LSA and the value of resolving disputes through lawful means.