Chairman DLSA Reasi stresses promotion of dispute resolution through mediation

REASI, JANUARY 08: Under the leadership of Chairman (also Pr. District and Sessions Judge Reasi), Khalil Choudhary and Secretary Pooja Gupta, District Legal Services Authority Reasi on Thursday organised awareness programs on the Prohibition of Child Marriage at Jij Chowk Katra and Panchayat Ghar Sirla.
District Child Protection Office Mission Vatsalya and One Stop Centre coordinated in hosting the events.
The general public was made aware of the ill effects and legal consequences of child marriage, provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 and the importance of ensuring education, health and overall development of children. They were also informed about free legal aid available through DLSA Reasi and the role of Legal Services Authorities in safeguarding the rights of women and children.
Meanwhile, Principal District and Sessions Judge chaired a meeting with the mediators, members of Bar Association and judicial officers to promote mediation as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
The District and Sessions Judge emphasized the role of mediation in ensuring speedy, cost-effective and amicable resolution of disputes in consonance with the vision of the Supreme Court of India. The participants were asked to actively identify suitable cases for mediation and motivate litigants to opt for mediation at the earliest possible stage.
Later, a poster pasting and pamphlet distribution drive regarding Child Helpline no. 1098 was conducted by PLVs at prominent places. The aim was to aware general public about the Child helpline as mandated by NALSA and the Bal Vivah Mukt Portal, with the objective of safeguarding child rights and preventing child marriage. The PLVs interacted with local residents, parents, shopkeepers and other community members, generating awareness about the rights of children.
Additionally, a designated team of LADCs visited Sub Jail Reasi. A Carrom competition was organised for the inmates for promoting mental well being and positive engagement through recreational activities. The visiting team also interacted with the jail authorities and inmates emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation, reformation and access to legal aid for prisoners.
Another program was organised at Mahore to sensitize the general masses about the harmful effects of drug abuse on physical, mental and social life.
Information was also disseminated regarding de-addiction and rehabilitation services, counselling facilities and the role of legal services authorities in providing free legal aid and support to affected persons. The participants were encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to actively contribute towards building a drug free society.