The Sikkim State Legal Services Authority (SSLSA) in coordination with District Legal Services Authority (North) organized a legal awareness programme at Block Administrative Centre (BAC) at Kabi, North Sikkim. The function was chaired by Judge High Court of Sikkim and Executive Chairman of Sikkim SLSA Justice SP Wangdi along with Minister cum area MLA Kabi Lungtsok constituency Mr. TT Bhutia.

Deputy Director, Sikkim State AIDS Control Society (SSACS) Dr. DS Kherangi who was one of the resource person of the program highlighted about HIV Aids and informed that 95% of the developing countries have been affected by HIV Aids and India is one amongst it. Dr. Kherangi also informed that around 202 persons in Sikkim are HIV positive and said that the virus are killing people in its productive age between 15 to 49. Adding further Dr. Kherangi informed that stigma and discrimination is against the law.

Whereas the DCHO of Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare Department, Mr. MB Sharma, highlighted on drug abuse and said that drug abuse is a social disease which can be prevented by community participation and also informed about smoking and its consequences. Furthermore Mr. Sharma even highlighted on declaration of Sikkim as a Smoke Free State since 31st of May 2010 and gave information about the Act.

Assistant Controller Weights and Measures Mr. Mahesh Sharma highlighted on Consumer Protection Act and also informed about the district forum available in all four districts and urged the general public to complain at the forum. Mr. Sharma further urged everyone to ask for cash memo when buying in shops and also informed about the Packet Commodities Rule.

Panels advocate SLSA Mr. Jorgay Namkha, highlighted regarding the issues related to Protection of Women Under Domestic Violence Act 2005 along with legal rights of women which have been protected by law. Mr. Namkha also informed that women are provided with free legal aid. Minister, Bhutia in his address informed that since many villages in North Sikkim are backward and most of the villagers were not aware of the Legal Aid which is very essential for the villagers. Minister also added that whatever knowledge they have gained should be utilized.

Minister further informed that the rights and empowerment given by Sikkim government is first of its kind in the world. Likewise, Justice, SP Wangdi informed that the programme has been conducted for the welfare of the people and informed that it is a part of the development like social and economic. Justice SP Wangdi even informed about the fundamental rights and duties and also highlighted about legal aid and who are covered by this facility. Adding further justice SP Wangdi also highlighted about Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Right to Education Act where he urged every parents to send their children in School for availing education.

The function started with the welcome speech delivered by Ld. District and Session Judge (E/N) Mr. Tashi Wangdi Bhutia, and ended with vote of thanks delivered by Ld. District and Session Judge Special Division-I (E/N) Mrs. KC Barfungpa. Furthermore the function was attended by SDM Mangan, Mr. BK Lama, DDO North, Up-Adhyaksha North, Miss, Pintso Doma Bhutia, President Bar Association of Sikkim, Zilla and Panchayat members and the general public.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

Comment