Haryana State Legal Services Authority Launches COVID-19 Awareness Program

On 15th October, 2020, Mrs. Justice Daya Chaudhary, Judge, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Executive Chairperson, Haryana State Legal Services Authority made her first visit to the Administrative Building of Haryana State Legal Services Authority, Sector-14, Panchkula for launching of COVID awareness campaign for one week in entire State of Haryana.

During launch of COVID-19 awareness campaign, the judge emphasized to take all precautionary measures by taking care of three important things during COVID situation such as wearing of face mask, maintaining a safe distance from each other, washing and sanitizing of their hands frequently etc. Under this campaign, a pledge was taken by all the officers and officials of HALSA to fight against the corona virus by taking all necessary safeguards. The purpose of this campaign is to make public aware at large about the precautions need to be taken on daily basis from protection of COVID-19. This is a low cost and high intensity campaign which requires active participation of people.

During her visit, Justice Daya Chaudhary also released a new Scheme namely HALSA (Legal Services to Widows) Scheme, 2020 for protection, reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of widows in our society. Her Lordship stated that this Scheme will underline various social, economic and financial issues of widows in case of ignorance by their families, relatives and societies etc. Different Schemes of Centre/State Governments are meant for welfare and betterment of widows, but most of the people are not aware about these Schemes resultantly the benefits of these Schemes are not reaching to those persons due to lack of such awareness. Various welfare Schemes of Governments have been referred under the HALSA Widow Scheme with an ultimate aim to connect widows with such Schemes so that they may get benefits as per their entitlement. This Scheme will ensure the benefits and rights of widows in all respect. The Scheme shall be shared with all the District Legal Services Authorities and Sub-Divisional Legal Services Committees of Haryana for its effective implementation at grass-root level.

On this occasion, Justice Chaudhary addressed the staff members of HALSA and shared her valuable views and experiences with them. Her Lordship emphasized on the need of setting up of new targets for Legal Services Authorities and improving the quality of legal services to achieve the motto of "Access to Justice for All". Lordship also shared that an efficient and hardworking workforce is of utmost significant as it contributes towards the accomplishment of any institution/organization to a great extent. Lordship with her words motivated the staff members and inspired them to work together as a team for fulfillment of future goals of HALSA.

At the end,Justice Chaudhary extended her best wishes to all the staff members of HALSA to work hard with full zeal and make continuous efforts for the effective and meaningful implementation of upcoming projects /programmes of HALSA.

Justice Chaudhary also emphasized on need to serve society by reaching out to the most vulnerable part of society i.e. senior citizens, children, exploited workers, women, specially abled children etc. She also emphasized need to reach out people for ensuring spread of legal literacy which in turn will eliminate injustice and make citizens more aware about their constitutional and fundamental rights.

That apart,Justice Chaudhary took stock of various legal services activities being undertaken by Haryana State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities for weaker and marginalized sections of the society.