SHILLONG – Legal rights can be difficult to use when people do not know where to seek help, and a legal-awareness programme in Khrang village on Wednesday brought that information directly to residents.
Held at Nangkyrsoi Secondary School, the programme brought together legal services authorities and officials from several government departments to explain legal assistance alongside schemes covering healthcare, education, rural development and support for persons with disabilities.
The programme was organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shillong, in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) campaign for grassroots implementation of its schemes.
MJS Secretary B. Kharlukhi said access to justice should not depend on poverty or literacy.
“The initiative aims to create awareness about legal rights, available schemes and assistance, and to help people access government services to which they are entitled,” she said.
The legal component was accompanied by briefings on issues that directly affect families in the village. WPSI V. Diengdoh of the Police Department spoke about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, child marriage and cybercrime, with emphasis on child safety.
Officials from the Khatarshnong Laitkroh C&RD Block outlined rural development activities involving roads, footpaths, check dams, water, livelihoods and climate-related initiatives. They also explained convergence with schemes covering housing, agriculture and self-help groups.
The Health Department introduced residents to the Chief Minister’s Safe Motherhood Scheme, Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS) and PM-JAY, while stressing the importance of the MHIS card for accessing healthcare benefits.
Dr Kharkongngor, Medical Officer under RBSK, explained school health screening, identification of deficiencies and childhood defects, and free treatment and referral services. Antenatal check-ups and maternal and child health during the first 1,000 days were also discussed. For persons with disabilities, the Social Welfare Department explained schemes including UDID, the Chief Minister’s Care Scheme, scholarships, employment allowance, aids and appliances and educational assistance.
Education support under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan was also covered, including free textbooks, uniform grants, transport and escort allowances, stipends and assistance for children with disabilities.
The outreach also included information on Aadhaar enrolment, Aadhaar and health camps and door-to-door awareness campaigns. Residents were informed that NALSA’s toll-free 15100 helpline is available for legal assistance, guidance and information on accessing legal services.
The programme took legal aid and government services beyond official offices and closer to the people who need them.
