early times report
Jammu, Feb 10: The Home for the Aged & Infirm (Vridh Ashram), Ambphalla, Jammu, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Jammu, today organized an awareness programme on “Legal Services to Senior Citizens” at the Ashram premises.
The programme was conducted under the aegis of DLSA Jammu with the objective of sensitizing senior citizens about their legal rights, entitlements, and welfare schemes available under various laws.
Ms. Maleeka Sharma, Sub-Judge and Secretary, DLSA Jammu, addressed the inmates and enquired about their well-being. She apprised them of the welfare measures taken by the Government and the Judiciary to safeguard the interests of senior citizens. She encouraged them to come forward and share their grievances and assured that legal aid would be provided upon lodging complaints. She informed that Para Legal Volunteers would assist them by visiting the Home, preparing applications, and ensuring that senior citizens are not required to repeatedly visit courts or police stations. She further stated that a panel of advocates has been empanelled by the Hon’ble Court to provide free legal aid, with a provision to change the advocate if the litigant is dissatisfied.
Advocate Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Deputy Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), Jammu, acted as the Resource Person and highlighted important legal provisions enacted for the protection and welfare of senior citizens.
Mr. Dawood Ibrahim, Para Legal Volunteer (PLV), DLSA Jammu, was also introduced and informed that he would be visiting the Home to prepare case files of inmates who raised issues, including matters relating to maintenance from earning children who are neglecting their parents.
The programme was attended by Dr. Dinesh Gupta, Secretary, Mr. Vijay Gupta, Joint Secretary, Mr. Satpal Sharma, Member, Managing Committee and Dr. B.B. Sharma besides inmates and staff of the Home.
During interaction, the inmates highlighted that despite falling under senior and super-senior citizen categories, Majority are not receiving pensionary benefits due to the absence of domicile certificates and ration cards. They urged DLSA Jammu to intervene and facilitate issuance of these documents by treating the Home as their permanent address.
The management of the Home for the Aged & Infirm expressed sincere gratitude to DLSA Jammu for organizing the programme and termed it a significant step towards empowering senior citizens through legal awareness. |
