ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 16 Aug: A team of Increasing Diversity by Increasing Access to Legal Education [IDIA] of National University of Juridical Science [NUJS], Kolkata, is in Sikkim with the expressed purpose “to create world-class advocates and leaders from the underprivileged and marginalized communities by assisting them financially along with other resources”.
IDIA is a student organization which aims at empowering underprivileged students through legal education. The idea of the organization was started by the IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] chair Professor, Samnath Basheer, two years back, it was informed.
“Our aim is to increase the diversity in National Law schools and colleges in India,” said Lekden Basi [head of IDIA North East chapter] at a press meet today.
Mr Basi added that in order to get admission in Law schools one has to first get through the CLAT exam, the coaching fees for which are very high and students have to go to the cities for coaching classes. IDIA offers free coaching classes for the students and also provides them with mentors during the coaching while they also conduct an aptitude test.
After they crack the CLAT exam, the entire admission fees [Rs 10-15 lakh], laptop and pocket money will be provided by IDIA. The eligibility for students is decided on the basis of their parents’ income, and the students will be selected on the basis of an aptitude test following which an interview which will be conducted. The total family income should be less than Rs 40,000 per month, informed Mr Basi.
Publicity secretary, Titus James adds that as such no such preparation is required since IDIA will only be checking the aptitude to test the potential of the prospective student. During the first stage of sensitization they will inform people on law as a career.
“Last year we didn’t receive good feedback, this is our second time in Sikkim and we are here to spread more awareness on law. People don’t have much idea of Law, it is not only for the arts and commerce students, but more than half of the successful lawyers in big firms are from the science background”, said HR Coordinator, Ganashruthi.
The team informed that, the financial aid for the task has been provided by private donors, law firms and sponsors. Later they will also be following this up in Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam during the months of September and October. The team will be here till 20 August and are all set to conduct sensitization programmes at Namchi, Jorethang, and St. Xavier’s School, Pakyong.
It was informed that Johnson Subba from Pelling, West Sikkim after clearing the CLAT exam got admission in the National Law University [NLU] Orissa, and is in the 2nd year at present. Likewise Luci from Mizoram also cleared her CLAT exam and is studying at National University of Judicial Sciences [NUJS] Kolkata. Both these students were supported by IDIA.
“This year we are hoping for a bigger response, we are here for free scholarship. We are targeting the 11th and 12th standard students of any background", said volunteer Nurin Haidei
This year’s team of North East chapter is headed by Lekden Basi along with publicity secretary, Titus James, HR coordinator Ganashruthi, and volunteer Nurin Haidei.
