Arunachal Paralegal Volunteer Programme Enhances Legal Literacy Among Trainees

Fr. Kampan Chinnam –

GuwahatiThe legal literacy programme in the Miao Diocese, conducted from October 22 to October 25, 2024, aimed to equip 40 selected paralegal trainees from the Arunachal Pradesh districts of Longding, Changlang, Namsai, Tirap, and Lohit with essential knowledge of law and skills in legal advocacy, welfare schemes, and community service.

Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Panipitchai inaugurated the programme, emphasizing, “Every right is our entitlement, but it is equally important to remember our duties.” He quoted from the book of Genesis, reflecting on the significance of respecting individuals’ rights and recognizing that “the essence of God is present in each of us.”

The training included multiple technical sessions over four days, each focusing on specific areas of law and advocacy.

Child Rights

The first technical session featured Mr. Satya Narayan Boruah, in charge of the District Child Protection Office, Tinsukia, Assam, who presented on ‘Child Rights.’ He provided insights into the framing of the UNCRC and its ratification by India, discussing the Juvenile Justice Act of 2000 and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection) Act of 2015. Mr. Boruah emphasized the four categories of rights under the UNCRC: the Right to Survival, Right to Protection, Right to Development, and Right to Participation. He elaborated on children’s rights, covering provisions related to child protection, including structures such as the District Child Protection Unit and Child Welfare Committee.

Free Legal Aid and Alternative Dispute Resolution

The first session on the second day was delivered by Mrs. Urmila Verma, an empaneled lawyer from the District Legal Services Authority of Tinsukia. She discussed ‘Free Legal Aid and Alternative Dispute Resolution System,’ detailing the functions of the District Legal Services Authority and the roles of Paralegal Volunteers (PLVs). Mrs. Verma explained the concept of free legal aid and its beneficiaries under the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987.

Indian Justice Delivery System (Criminal)

Mrs. Urmila Verma continued with a session on the ‘Indian Justice Delivery System (Criminal),’ providing an overview of substantive and procedural law. She detailed various offences in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and described the justice delivery processes in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, discussing FIRs, arrests, investigations, trials, charge sheets, summons, witnesses, bail, and appeals.

Right to Information Laws

Sr. Shobha, advocate and Director of SAFHR, led the third session on ‘Right to Information Laws.’ She provided an overview of the history and significance of the right to information in India, explaining the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, and the process for writing applications and appeals.

Public Distribution System and Related Laws

Mr. Abinash Narzary, Programme Manager of SAFHR, presented on the ‘Public Distribution System and Related Laws,’ discussing the Targeted Public Distribution System and related regulations, including The Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2015, and the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Labour Laws

On the third day, Mr. Abinash Narzary addressed ‘Labour Laws,’ explaining the definition of labour, origins of labour law, and key legislation such as The Payment of Wages Act, The Minimum Wages Act, The Maternity Benefit Act, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

The second session on the third day was led by Sr. Shobha KP, focusing on the ‘Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.’ She provided an overview of the Act and government schemes aimed at providing unskilled manual work to job card holders, emphasizing the importance of the job card and convergence schemes initiated by the government.

An address by Most Rev. Dr. George Palliparambil, Bishop of the Diocese of Miao, followed. He shared insights on individual rights and responsibilities, stating, “Your freedom ends where my nose begins,” to reinforce the need for balanced freedom in society.

Human Rights and Local Governance

Mr. Abinash Narzary then discussed “Human Rights Guaranteed by the Constitution of India and International Instruments Enforceable by Courts in India,” outlining the provisions established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. He covered key international covenants, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The first session of the final day addressed “Local Governance System and Related Laws” and “Social Security/Welfare Schemes of the Central and State Governments.” Mr. Gulley Sumnyan, an advocate, presented an overview of welfare schemes and discussed the provisions outlined in the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act.

Advocacy Skills

The programme concluded with a session on “Advocacy Skills,” led by Mr. Abinash Narzary, who outlined key skills necessary for effective community engagement.

The closing session featured an open discussion, allowing participants to share their reflections and propose initiatives for sensitizing their communities about rights and entitlements. Suggested initiatives included awareness campaigns to assist marginalized communities in accessing government benefits.