Paralegal volunteers complete training in Chungthang

DIKCHU, 20 Oct: The valedictory function of the three-day long 2nd Phase training of Para Legal Volunteers was today here at Chungthang SDM office in North Sikkim today.
The training was organized by the North District Legal Services Authority on the directions of the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority. Fifty-five trainees from Lachung, Lachen, Chungthang, Shipgyer and Toong-Naga GPUs; Panchayats, NGO representatives and local public took the training with the objective to work towards enhancing awareness and understanding among the general populace on legal matters.
The valedictory function had the District & Special Judge (SSLSA), Karma Wangchuk Bhutia, as chief guest, who handed over the certificates and identity cards to Paralegal Volunteers and urged them to circulate proper legal services message to the rural folk. He reminded them of their role as bridges for better legal services to the lay people and to minimize crime in the society.
He further commented that land disputes and other social disputes could be settled on 23 November on the occasion of the National Lok Adalat and that such disputes at village level should be informed to authorities by Para Legal Services Volunteers.
During the three-day training, the paralegal volunteers were imparted knowledge on legal matters by resource persons Sonam Palden Bhutia, Tashi Rapden Barfungpa and Tshering Wangyal Bhutia, all three of whom are advocates.
District and Sessions Judge JB Rai also spoke today on the nature of legal services, free legal services, complaints or suggestions and how legal aid can be availed.
Judicial Magistrate/ Civil Judge, North, Binay Sharma, shared that they have received positive feedback from the trainees and the result will also be positive.
Likewise, Lendup Lepcha, Panchayat president Chungthang GPU on behalf of the Panchayat and pipons extended gratitude to the SSLSA for providing such fruitful training to the public, Pipons and Panchayat.
Also present for the function was SDM-Chungthang, TT Bhutia, SDPO, Panchayat members and Pipon of Lachung and the trainees.