Students, residents attend seminar on legal aid helpline

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 9

A seminar on legal awareness was held at Kamboh village that was attended by schoolchildren and residents in a large number. It initiated a series of awareness campaigns under the directions from Chairman, District Legal Services Authority, Justice Gurbir Singh, about the newly launched toll-free number 1968.

The toll free helpline will provide free legal aid and services to those in need and economic weaker sections of society. The number will be functional 24/7 and will also give free consultation regarding various acts and regulations.

“The toll free helpline has been made available to pave way for easier processing of complaints and legal aid to those in need. The facility has been given under the provision of the Punjab Legal Service Authority Act, 1987, and it will make people aware about several laws and legal rights of women, children, senior citizens and labourers,” said Bal Kishan Bhagat, a legal expert. The seminar also apprised people of consumer laws.

Simranpreet Kaur Hundal, another expert, also briefed residents about the free consultation services being provided through the helpline.

“For small disputes involving family, disputes regarding MNREGA scheme, issuing of LPG connections, or even cases like domestic violence, the helpline will provide free legal consultation service. Any citizen with an annual income of less than 1.5 lakh can avail the service. This would save expenses on paying legal fees.”

A brief about lok adalats being run in the district were also given.