BASAR, AUG 23:

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Leparada, in collaboration with the district administration organised a Legal Orientation-cum-Training Programme for Gaon Bura/Buris (GBs) at Karko Heritage, Basar, on Saturday.

The programme aimed to strengthen legal awareness among traditional village functionaries and enhance their understanding of their duties and responsibilities in facilitating access to justice at the grassroots level.

The orientation covered key legal and social issues, including the duties and responsibilities of Gaon Bura/Buris, Arunachal Pradesh Victim Compensation Scheme, Assam Frontier (Administration of Justice) Regulation, 1945, Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, laws relating to domestic violence and the Arunachal Pradesh Civil Courts Act, 2021.

Leparada District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson DLSA Jaweplu Chai addressed the participants on key legal provisions and the role of GBs in promoting legal awareness and access to justice in villages.

Leparada ADC Tamo Riba stressed the importance of coordination between traditional village institutions and the district administration in addressing community issues and ensuring effective implementation of laws and government programmes.

Other resource persons included West Siang District Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Civil Judge (Senior Division) Utumso Boo, DLSA Leparada Panel Advocate Mijum Doke and Leparada Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel Ito Riram. They provided practical insights into relevant laws and procedures, with emphasis on preventing social and legal problems, assisting victims and vulnerable persons and facilitating access to legal services.

Particular emphasis was placed on child marriage and domestic violence, with participants sensitised to their legal consequences and the importance of timely intervention and reporting. They were also briefed on victim compensation mechanisms and the availability of free legal aid for eligible persons.

Around 63 GBs from different villages across Leparada district participated in the programme and interacted with the resource persons on legal issues commonly encountered at the grassroots level.

Participation certificates and legal awareness pamphlets were distributed at the conclusion of the programme.

Officials and staff of the DLSA also attended and assisted in conducting the programme. (DIPR)