REASI, DECEMBER 19: Under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority, Chairman District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Principal District & Sessions Judge Reasi Khalil Ahmed Choudhary today inaugurated a free medical camp for inmates here at Sub Jail. He also conducted a comprehensive inspection of the facilities available for the inmates.
The Chairman was accompanied by Secretary, DLSA Pooja Gupta; Senior Superintendent of Police Paramveer Singh; ADC Rakesh Kumar; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Kohli; Chief LADC Rashi Baru, Jail visiting lawyers and other concerned officers.
During the inspection, the records and registers of the Prison Legal Aid Clinic were thoroughly verified. The Chairman and Secretary, DLSA also checked the display of legal aid information available for inmates in the Sub Jail.
An interaction was held with under-trial prisoners and convicts, during which inmates were informed about their right to free legal aid and the procedure to approach DLSA. Several grievances, related to bail, delay in trial and legal representation were noted.
Pending and disposed legal aid applications were reviewed and necessary directions were issued for expeditious processing of genuine cases.
The Chairman directed for undertaking regular visits by Jail Visiting Lawyers and Jail Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) for providing effective legal assistance to inmates.
On the occasion, the Chairman inaugrated a free medical camp. The medical team conducted health check-ups of inmates, distributed free medicines and provided medical advice and referrals wherever required. Directions were also issued for the proper functioning of the Jail Legal Aid Clinic and for effective coordination with the Health Department. The visiting team recommended monthly visits by a psychiatrist and psychologist to assess and address the mental health of inmates in Sub Jail Reasi.
The Chairman DLSA appreciated the cooperation extended by the Administrative Officer, Police Department, Health Department and jail authorities during the inspection.
Meanwhile, door-to-door awareness regarding the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was conducted by the Tehsil Legal Services Committee (TLSC) Katra at village Serwad. Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) sensitized the masses about the importance of educating the girl child and empowering girls to become financially independent.
