Fr. Kampan Chinnam –
Guwahati: A four-day training program on legal literacy was held in the Northeastern sate of Meghalaya by the Social Action for Human Rights (SAFHR).
The training was conducted by Sister Shobha Kanadathil, Regional Secretary for the Labour and Migration Commission at the Northeast India Regional Bishops Council (NEIRBC), and her team. This program, which took place from October 16 to October 19, 2024, trained 40 volunteers in collaboration with Manos Unidas, Spain, and the Labour and Migrant Commissions of both dioceses.
The programme was inaugurated by the septuagenarian Bishop Andrew R. Marak, who highlighted, “The necessity and responsibility of legal professionals is to advocate for the marginalized.”
Day 1: Initiating Connections and Learning
The training commenced with an ice-breaking session to foster connections among participants. Mr. Debajyoti Baruah, Principal of Tura Law College, highlighted, “Legal literacy is crucial for community empowerment” while discussing initiatives under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
The technical sessions covered foundational topics, including an “Introduction to Law, the Indian Judiciary System, and Paralegal Practices” by Mr. Abinash Narzary, Programme Manager of SAFHR. Sister Shobha Kanadathil provided an overview of the Right to Information Act and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government processes.
Day 2: Understanding Legal Aid and Justice
Day two featured a review session followed by four technical sessions:
- Free Legal Aid and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Fr. James D. Sangma, Priest and Lawyer, discussed the provisions of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and relevant laws in the Alternative Dispute Resolution System in India, including Lok Adalat, mediation, conciliation, and arbitration. He explained how to access free legal aid through the state’s Legal Services Authorities.
- Indian Justice Delivery System (Criminal): Mr. John M. Marak, a member of the Juvenile Justice Board, explained criminal justice procedures and individual rights. He elaborated on processes outlined in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
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Local Governance System and Related Laws: Advocate Augustine R. Marak discussed the framework of local governance, citing the role of laws in community administration and provisions of Schedule VI of the Constitution of India.
- Public Distribution System and Related Laws: Mr. Abinash Narzary explained the legal aspects of the National Food Security Act, 2013, and the Public Distribution System, detailing the roles of Central and State Governments in delivering essential commodities to low-income households.
Day 3: Focusing on Rights and Welfare
The training continued with another review session and four additional topics:
- Social Security / Welfare Schemes: Advocate Mrs. Rupatchi R. Marak detailed various central and state government welfare schemes aimed at ensuring social security for the poor, workers, the elderly, and the destitute, along with beneficiary criteria.
- Child Rights: Advocate John M. Marak outlined legal protections for children under various Indian statutes, including the POCSO Act and the Prohibition of Child Labour Act.
- Human Rights: Mr. Abinash Narzary addressed the principles of human rights enshrined in national and international frameworks, as well as their enforceability in Indian courts and the roles of the Human Rights Commissions under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- Labour Laws: Mr. Changkham M. Marak, Advocate and Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel of a District Legal Services Authority in Meghalaya, introduced participants to key labor laws, detailing provisions and protections for workers, including the Payment of Wages Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
Day 4: Action Plans for Change
The final day commenced with a session led by Mr. Anthony Murmu, lawyer and Programme Manager at SAFHR, on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. He provided insights on government initiatives that impact rural livelihoods.
Participants were divided into groups to develop action plans for their districts, ensuring that the knowledge gained would lead to community action.
Commitment to Justice
The program concluded with a ceremony, where they celebrated the participants’ commitment to justice and community welfare. Participants expressed gratitude for the insights gained and pledged to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups actively.
This initiative highlights the role of legal education in promoting social justice and underscores the need for community representatives to be knowledgeable about legal frameworks and welfare schemes. By equipping individuals with these skills, SAFHR and its partners are laying the groundwork for a more equitable society in India.