Best performing paralegals felicitated at state-level meet

GANGTOK, 27 Apr [IPR]: Sikkim State Legal Service Authority (SSLSA) organized State Meet of Para Legal Volunteers and District legal Services Authorities at auditorium of High Court of Sikkim in the capital on 26 April 2014.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim & Patron in Chief of SSLSA Justice N.K. Jain and also had the presence of the judge, High Court of Sikkim Justice, S.P. Wangdi who is also Executive Chairman of SSLSA and Member of Central Authority NALSA; Secretary for the Department of Finance and Home, MG Kiran; Secretary Social Justice, Empowerment and Women welfare Department ; Director General of Police, Jasbir Singh; Principal Secretary Food and Civil Supplies, DP Sharma; Former Judge of High Court of Sikkim, A P Subba, Senior Advocates, Member of BAR association, Para legal volunteer (PLV), Resource Person and other dignitaries.
During the programme three best performing Para Legal volunteers of Sikkim were conferred with certificates of commendation and mementoes for their outstanding contribution in supporting judicial system to provide justice and right to the people of state in grass root level. In this regard, Nirmala Dhakal from Cheuribotey, West Pendam, Indra Maya Nepal from Middle Khese, Samdong and Mingma Doma Bhutia from Rangrang, North Sikkim were felicitated by Chief Justice NK Jain.
At the programme other Performing Para Legal Volunteers were also felicitated with khadas and mementoes.  Furthermore, District Legal Services Authorities and resource persons were also honored with Certificate of appreciation handed over by judge, High Court of Sikkim, Justice SP Wangdi.
Addressing Para-legal Volunteers of the state, Chief Justice of High Court of Sikkim, Justice NK Jain highlighted about the objectives and purpose of the state meet. Congratulating PLVs for being honored, Chief Justice Jain mentioned three objectives of the system, which are to provide free legal aid, awareness camp and Lok Adalats in the state. He encouraged PLVs to share their experiences of achievements and difficulties with higher authorities to resolve issues. He also expressed happiness over conducting the state meet and further said it is essential to organize such functions regularly at least on periodical basis of once in six months or once in a year.
Judge of High Court of Sikkim, Justice S.P. Wangdi In his key note address emphasized on PLV scheme along with the duties, responsibilities and purpose of Para Legal Volunteers. He said PLVs shall educate people, especially those belonging to weaker sections of the society, to enable them to be aware of their right to live with human dignity enjoying all constitutional right. He encouraged PLVs to generate general awareness about the fundamental rights of the people and further said that PLVs shall make people aware of the nature of their disputes or issues and inform people that they can approach the District Legal Service Authority or SLSA to resolve problems.
Justice Wangdi stated that the desire to work voluntarily is the best quality required in a PLV and also extended his gratitude for their valuable contribution made towards society. The programme was also addressed by Passang Tshering Bhutia, PLV from Namchi who is also a recipient of the Best PLV for the North Eastern State at the National Level on 26 October 2013.
The programme also saw an active interactive session between para-legal volunteers and the dignitaries. Earlier, District and Session Judge, KW Bhutia delivered the welcome speech and the programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Additional Secretary, Sikkim SLSA, Matilda Isaacs.