The District legal Service Authority (DlSA) under the aegis of the District Court of Rayagada facilitated a process of ensuring rights and entitlements of tribals to be accessed under one roof by organising a mega legal aid camp here.
Departments like ITDA, DRDA, District labour Office, Health, Education, Agriculture, Horticulture and Watershed, etc, took part and provided assistance to the eligible tribals on the spot.
This is first of its kind in the entire State and second in national level promoted by the State legal Services Authority (SlSA) and the National legal Service Authority (NlSA).
The event was presided over by District Judge-cum-Chairman, DlSA Biswajit Das who emphasized on fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Rayagada district comes under Schedule-V, dominated by tribals, population wise and therefore, is entitled to certain special benefits due to its proximity to poverty indicators.
“Nobody is above law. If the bureaucracy works hand in hand with the legislative, executive and judiciary, there will be a sea change in governance. And Rayagada’s administration has shown the way by carrying out the legislations of the State and bringing the concerned departments together under one roof and ensuring the rights and entitlements of the poor tribals thus paving the way for their empowerment,” said Das.
Collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar applauded the pro-poor roles taken up by DlSA, Rayagada by becoming a motivating factor for the entire district administration.
Member-Secretary, SlSA Balakrushna Mahapatra joining as chief guest, emphasised on growth of the indigenous tribes. The administration’s prime responsibility is to make the schemes and basic facilities accessible to the tribals, said Mahapatra. Director Panchayati Raj Pratap Das vividly explained various schemes meant for tribals and PVTGs.