Shillong, Jun 27: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Jaintia Hills, inaugurated a Legal Care and Support Centre at Mupyut village in Amlarem Sub-Division on June 26 to bring legal aid and government services closer to rural residents.
District & Sessions Judge-cum-DLSA Chairman N. A. Khan inaugurated the centre in the presence of SDO (Civil) V. Kezo, SDPO K. M. Sangma, Jaintia Hills District Bar Association President Riwan Hinge, judicial officials and village authorities.
Officials said the centre, set up under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, will provide free legal assistance to women, children, Scheduled Tribes, senior citizens, victims of violence and economically weaker sections. It will also help residents with issues related to domestic violence, child welfare and access to healthcare, education and welfare schemes.
Khan said the centre was prompted by cases such as that of a Mupyut witness who feared appearing in court after an accused was released on bail. He noted that the facility will act as a link between villagers and courts, police and government departments, and will be monitored regularly by DLSA.
Mupyut Headman Chanki Kyndait welcomed the initiative, saying it would promote justice and welfare in the village.
