Outreach programmes across Nagaland focus on free legal aid, child protection, women’s rights and access to justice
The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), along with District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) across the state, on November 9 launched the weeklong celebration of Legal Services Day 2026 with legal awareness and outreach programmes aimed at strengthening public understanding of legal rights and access to justice.
As part of the observance, NSLSA organised a legal awareness programme for Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of Kohima Law College, Kohima.
Addressing the gathering, Member Secretary, NSLSA, Neiko Akami, NJS, highlighted the important role of PLVs in implementing the schemes and programmes of Legal Services Authorities. He described them as a vital link between legal services institutions and the public, noting that their services extend to jails, police stations and other institutions where people may require legal assistance.
Akami also highlighted various welfare-oriented schemes of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) aimed at extending legal assistance and protection to vulnerable sections of society. These include schemes for construction workers, disaster victims who lose important documents due to natural calamities such as floods and landslides, persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities, children, and victims of sexual exploitation, trafficking and other crimes, including offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Emphasising the importance of victim compensation, he informed that approximately Rs. 41 lakh had been provided to 32 victims to date. He stressed that compensation was an important component of the legal support system and that eligible victims must be made aware of and assisted in accessing the benefits available to them. He also referred to the JAGRITI scheme as one of the initiatives aimed at reaching vulnerable communities.
The weeklong observance will continue with awareness and outreach activities organised by NSLSA and the DLSAs across the state.
Kiphire:
The Kiphire District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), along with its Retainer Lawyer and PLVs from Kiphire, Seyochung, Pungro and Kiusam towns, conducted legal awareness activities across the district as part of the weeklong observance.
Legal pamphlets were distributed at Trinity School, Holy Cross High School and Mission School in Kiphire. A door-to-door campaign on Lok Adalat was also conducted at Longthonger village, while information posters were displayed at Kiphire town, Kiusam, Seyochung and Pungro.
Mon:
The Mon District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) observed National Legal Services Day on November 9 at Sacred Heart School, Mon.
The programme began with a welcome note and the Lord’s Prayer led by Dr. M.H. Daniel, Chairman of the school. Retainer Lawyer Angun Konyak delivered the introductory address, highlighting the importance of legal awareness and access to justice.
Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Secretary, DLSA, Wokono Yhoshii, spoke on the significance of National Legal Services Day, the NALSA ASHA Scheme 2026, the Juvenile Justice Act, the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, and the Right to Education Act, 2009. She emphasised the importance of ensuring access to justice for all.
Panel Lawyer Topha conducted an informative session on the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, focusing on child protection, children’s rights and safeguards against sexual offences.
The programme sensitised students about their legal rights and responsibilities and encouraged them to contribute towards building an informed and equitable society.
Phek:
The Phek District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) observed the weeklong National Legal Services Day celebration at Chosaba village on November 9. The programme was chaired by advocate Khotsozo Venuh.
Retainer Lawyer, Phek DLSA, Sekhotso Rokha, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of the day, which commemorates the enactment of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. He said the observance underscored the constitutional mandate to provide free and competent legal services to weaker and marginalised sections of society.
He also briefed the gathering on the roles and activities of Legal Services Authorities, including legal awareness programmes, Lok Adalats, legal camps and door-to-door campaigns aimed at reaching vulnerable groups.
Panel Lawyer Thukutalu Chizo spoke on three NALSA schemes. On the NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme, 2025, she highlighted its objective of strengthening Article 39A of the Constitution, which directs the State to ensure that justice is not denied to any citizen due to economic or other difficulties. She said the scheme seeks to improve grassroots access to justice through legal literacy, awareness of legal aid, and information on rights, remedies and available redressal mechanisms.
On the NALSA (ASHA) Scheme, she highlighted its focus on eliminating child marriage, protecting minors and ensuring their rehabilitation. She also explained the penal provisions under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, and the roles and responsibilities of the ASHA unit.
Chizo also sensitised participants on the NALSA Scheme for Child-Friendly Legal Services to Children and their Protection, 2024, explaining the guiding principles of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. She highlighted the distinction between children in conflict with the law and children in need of care and protection, as well as the roles of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee.
Around 30 people attended the programme.
Mokokchung:
The Mokokchung DLSA organised a series of legal awareness and outreach programmes as part of the weeklong celebration, culminating on November 9.
On November 3, a door-to-door legal awareness campaign was conducted in three wards under Mokokchung town to disseminate information on free legal aid and services provided by Legal Services Authorities. The campaign was led by PLs Mapujungla and Chubarenla, along with PLV Sungjemkala.
On November 4 and 5, further door-to-door campaigns and pamphlet distribution drives were conducted at Ungma village and Tuli town. The activities were led by PLV Masakumzuk, Talipokba and Kimongdangba to sensitise residents about their legal rights, free legal aid and various schemes and services implemented by Legal Services Authorities.
As part of the observance on November 9, PL Temjenkokla delivered a radio talk in the Ao dialect on the significance of Legal Services Day, highlighting the role and functions of Legal Services Authorities, various NALSA schemes and the legal assistance available under the legal aid system. The use of the local dialect was intended to ensure wider public understanding and accessibility.
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Wokha:
The Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) observed Legal Services Day on November 9 at the District Court, Wokha, with participants from nine villages — Longla, N. Longidang, Seluku, Yimkha, Koio, Tsungiki, Yanthamo, Nungying and Chukitong. The programme was organised in convergence with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) and Mission Shakti.
The commemoration began with the playing of the NALSA theme song. Short speeches were delivered by Janthungbemo, Block Programme Manager, NSRLM, and Dr. Wonchano E. Enny, District Mission Coordinator, Mission Shakti.
Panel Lawyers Abigail Lotha and Shanchobeni P. Lotha spoke on the significance of Legal Services Day and created awareness about the NALSA scheme for effective implementation of poverty alleviation programmes and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
An interaction session followed, during which participants discussed women’s rights and entitlements. Participants shared experiences and highlighted gaps between men and women in decision-making, along with social taboos and the need to sensitise more women, particularly those in rural areas, about their rights. They appreciated WDLSA for organising the programme.
Tuensang:
The Tuensang DLSA observed the weeklong Legal Services Day programme at District Jail, Tuensang, on November 9.
The programme was chaired by front office PLV Muthiam. JMFC-cum-Secretary, TDLSA, Tsaliba, highlighted the significance of Legal Services Day and the role and functions of Legal Services Authorities.
Assistant LADC Thondi spoke on bailable and non-bailable offences, while Chief LADC Antimangyang Chang explained the NDPS Act and the rights of prisoners.
The programme was attended by the Assistant Jailor, jail staff and inmates.
Zunheboto:
The Zunheboto DLSA, under the aegis of NALSA, observed National Legal Services Day on November 9 through community-based legal awareness and outreach activities at various locations across the district.
The Retainer Lawyer, Panel Lawyers and PLVs reached out to members of the Taxi Union Association, taxi operators, cobblers, butchers, market vendors, shopkeepers and daily wage earners, focusing particularly on people engaged in the informal and unorganised sectors.
During the interactions, the team disseminated information on the role and functions of Legal Services Authorities, the availability of free legal aid under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, eligibility criteria and various NALSA schemes and initiatives.
Members of the public were also encouraged to approach ZDLSA for legal assistance and guidance whenever required. The initiative aimed to strengthen grassroots legal awareness and build public confidence in accessing legal aid services.
Peren:
The Peren DLSA observed the weeklong Legal Services Day celebration at New Market, Jalukie town, on November 9 to create awareness among the public about legal rights, legal aid services and access to justice.
The programme was attended by Retainer Lawyer Italang Ramlia and Panel Lawyers of PDLSA. As part of the awareness campaign, the lawyers distributed informative pamphlets among vendors at New Market, containing information on free legal services, legal aid and assistance provided by Legal Services Authorities.
The lawyers also interacted with vendors and encouraged them to make use of the services available through the District Legal Services Authority whenever required. The initiative aimed to reach people at the grassroots level, particularly those who may be unaware of their legal rights and entitlements.
