DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 16 (MExN): December 15 was proud day for Nagaland as the state legal services authority won two awards given away by the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) under the aegis of the Supreme Court. Awards were given to the National and Zonal Best State Legal Services Authority, Best District Legal Services Authority, Best Panel Lawyer and Best Para Legal Volunteers at a programme held at the Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on December 15.
The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority(NSLSA) was adjudged the Zonal (North-East) Best State Legal Services Authority. Mezivolou T. Therieh, Member Secretary, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority received the award handed away by Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Law& Justice and Electronics & Information Technology.
According the NSLSA, the award for Nagaland was based on initiatives taken to create legal awareness, active use of digitization, translation of the legal services literature into local dialects,formation of Legal Literacy Clubs in schools, Legal Services Clinics,organizing legal services camps and actively carrying out “action plans.” The NSLSA also has its own theme song.
The other award- Best Zonal Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) went to PLV Tingkai Konyak from Mon district. The accolade for Tingkai was in recognition of his “exemplary services in giving free home tuitions to children below poverty line, reaching out to the victims of landslides, participating in medical camp, door to door campaign, as resource person in Legal Awareness Camp, visiting jails, homes, helping women victims,getting financial assistance from Government for mentally challenged persons,etc.,” stated the release.
The other award- Best Zonal Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) went to PLV Tingkai Konyak from Mon district. The accolade for Tingkai was in recognition of his “exemplary services in giving free home tuitions to children below poverty line, reaching out to the victims of landslides, participating in medical camp, door to door campaign, as resource person in Legal Awareness Camp, visiting jails, homes, helping women victims,getting financial assistance from Government for mentally challenged persons,etc.,” stated the release.
The release quoted Ravi Shankar Prasad as describing the NLSA as a movement and “a big flame of empowerment.” “It is this kind of movement that shapes the entire country which feels the pulse of the people.” Prasad encouraged the PLVs and panel lawyers to keep the passion and fire within them alive, while adding that the award should impel them to work with more passion and emotion.
Best Zonal Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) Tingkai Konyak from Mon district.
NSLSA Member Secretary Therieh when contacted by The Morung Express said that the accolade for the state was the consequence of a concerted effort. “It is a great moment for all of us. The concerted efforts of the district legal services authorities, the district administration, various nodal departments have worked together with us in making us achieve our targets and getting this recognition. We hope to continue to strive together in bringing access to justice for all especially the marginalised and poor section of the society for which we stand,” she said.
