Under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Garhwa, the 'Saathi Abhiyan' was launched on Thursday with the objective of securing the fundamental legal rights and establishing the personal identity of children in need of care and protection.
The initiative has been launched in accordance with the directives of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), New Delhi, and the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority, Ranchi. The programme is being conducted under the guidance of Nalin Kumar, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson of DLSA, Garhwa.
Prior to the official launch, an orientation session was held at the DLSA conference hall for the newly constituted unit under the campaign. During the session, DLSA Secretary Nibha Ranjana Lakra briefed the unit members about their roles and responsibilities, encouraging them to work in the best interest of the children. She emphasized the importance of linking underprivileged and homeless children with government welfare schemes and facilitating the issuance of essential documents such as identity cards and Aadhaar cards.
Lakra explained that the Saathi campaign, initiated nationwide by NALSA, aims to form district-level units comprising key stakeholders who work for child rights. The unit includes panel advocates, the District Education Officer, the Special Juvenile Police Unit, the Civil Surgeon, information assistants, and officials from children’s homes. These stakeholders will identify vulnerable children and assist in creating a conducive environment along with the necessary documentation for their rehabilitation.
A month-long intensive identification drive, running from May 26 to June 26, has also been initiated to bring these children into the mainstream.
In a separate event, DLSA marked World Environment Day with a plantation drive within the premises of the Civil Court, Garhwa. The initiative was led by District & Sessions Judge Dinesh Kumar, Judicial Officers Anulika Kumar and Rajendra Kumar, along with DLSA Secretary Nibha Ranjana Lakra.
Addressing the gathering, Judge Dinesh Kumar highlighted the global significance of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5. He informed that the United Nations designated this day in 1972 to raise political and social awareness about environmental issues. The first World Environment Day was observed on June 5, 1974, and it has since become an annual global event.
DLSA Secretary Lakra appealed to the public to plant trees and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to contribute towards making Garhwa a clean, green, and beautiful district.