"Primitive Tribes Have All Rights Like Others": Jharkhand HC Acting CJ Sujit Narayan In Legal Camp For 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups'

"The primitive tribes have all the rights like others. We are just making you realize how you will get your rights," said the Acting Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court while addressing a state-level Legal Services and Empowerment Camp on August 24.

The event was organised by the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Gumla district administration, to provide crucial support to weaker sections of society, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), and specially-abled children. This initiative was part of a broader effort to ensure that marginalized communities receive the benefits of various government schemes.

Justice Prasad further said, "The administration is serious about giving the benefits of the government's scheme. Today we call the people weak tribes. However, the word weak should go away and primitive tribes should join the mainstream on the path of development. They should come out of villages and reach the city and touch the heights by achieving a good position."

He emphasized the proactive approach being taken to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach those who are most in need. "We are ensuring that you receive what is rightfully yours. Instead of you having to roam around for your entitlements, we are making an effort to reach you. Today those whom we call weaker tribes should move on the track of development."

He expressed concern about the challenges faced by marginalized communities, who often struggle to access government benefits.

The Acting Chief Justice highlighted the ongoing efforts by DLSA and JHALSA to bring legal services directly to the communities, with Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) playing a critical role in reaching remote areas and addressing local issues.

In his remarks, Gumla district and sessions judge Dhruv Chandra Mishra also acknowledged the importance of PVTGs and specially-abled individuals within society, stating, "PVTGs and Divyang jans are inseparable parts of society." 

The event was inaugurated by the Acting Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court and Executive Chairman of JHALSA, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad. He was joined by Justice Sanjay Prasad, Justice Pradeep Srivastava, Member Secretary of JHALSA Kumari Ranjana Asthana, and other judicial and administrative officials, who collectively commenced the program by lighting a ceremonial lamp.

A central feature of the camp was the distribution of Rs 101.55 crore in direct money transfers and assets to 2,79,245 beneficiaries. These benefits were part of multiple government initiatives, including pension schemes, housing under the Abuwa Aawas Yojna, employment opportunities through the Mukhyamantri Rojgar Srijan Yojna, support for Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), loans, stipends, and the provision of assistive devices like tricycles and bicycles for specially-abled individuals.

The camp, which combined legal aid with the distribution of government benefits, was seen as a significant step towards ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized groups receive the support they need to improve their quality of life and integrate more fully into society. The initiative highlighted the ongoing commitment of JHALSA, DLSA, and the state government to providing accessible legal services and promoting social welfare.