Haryana Legal Services Authority Launches COVID Awareness Program

On 09.06.2021, Mr. Justice Rajan Gupta, Judge, Punjab & Haryana High Court and Executive Chairman, Haryana State Legal Services Authority has launched a series of projects with an aim to create maximum awareness among general public and about rights and benefits to children who have lost their parents due to covid pandemic in the presence of Shri Baldev Raj Mahajan, Advocate General, Haryana, through virtual mode.   The event was attended by Shri Parmod Goyal, District & Sessions Judge and Member Secretary, Haryana State Legal Services Authority and the Chief Judicial Magistrates-cum-Secretaries, District Legal Services Authorities of Haryana.

During address, Justice Gupta has emphasized on the need of public awareness as it is the only effective tool which can bring change in the mind-sets of people towards their social responsibilities as well to fight covid pandemic. Awareness has a great impact on our society in making it more sensible, responsible and reliable. With this view, Haryana State Legal Services Authority has launched following projects aiming maximum mass awareness and strengthening legal services.

1. A short-animated clip on COVID mask etiquettes
2. "Corona Home Warriors" – An awareness drive
3. Hope- "Sangharsh se utkarsh tak hum aapke saath hain" - A Project for children who lost their parents in COVID-19

Further, Justice Gupta has stated that COVID animation has been prepared with an aim to inculcate the knowledge among public about appropriate mask wearing. Justice Gupta has emphasized on the importance of mask etiquettes against protection from COVID-19. Wearing of mask properly on face is necessary to contain the transmission of virus. Earlier, on 26.03.2021, this Authority launched the COVID awareness drive namely "Arrest the disease-wear a mask, don't go close, cover your nose". Launch of this animated clip is a part of COVID project for creating maximum awareness among general public about mast etiquettes. Justice Gupta has requested all the Secretaries, DLSAs to ensure maximum circulation of this animation through different electronic modes so it could reach each and every person especially living in rural and remote areas.

Another project launched by HALSA is "Corona Home Warriors"- an Awareness Drive. The project was conceptualized to create maximum mass awareness on prevention against COVID-19 and effective implementation of health protocols such as wearing of mask rightly, social distancing, washing of hands frequently, hands sanitization etc. Under this drive, awareness would be created through two effective means (i) children and (ii) social media. The judge has stated that children have been chosen as they are a great medium of creating awareness. When certain issues are raised by children, they have a higher impact on the issue. On contrary, social media serves as a powerful tool for people and movements to share their stories, reaching new audiences across the globe. Children would be provided with awareness material by HALSA such as animated movies, posters, banners etc. to share online without stepping out of their home. Children can use any electronic platform for this purpose such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or any other social media account. Participating children shall earn certificates and recognition from HALSA.

The next project launched by HALSA is "Hope-Sangharsh se utkarsh tak hum aapke saath hain". The project has been framed out to help those unfortunate children who have lost their single or both parents in COVID pandemic while fighting with the disease. Justice Gupta has stated that such children need special attention of the society. Their protection and rehabilitation are one of major issues right now. This project will ensure the rights and benefits of children who are left alone or with a single surviving parent. Involvement of NGOs and Public Agencies shall play an important role in mitigating sufferings of such children by providing basic amenities such as food, shelter, clothes etc. Secretaries, DLSAs have been requested to make all possible efforts for betterment of these children by ensuring effective implementation of Action Plan of this project .

During address, Shri Baldev Raj Mahajan, Advocate General, Haryana has stated that Children are the future of our nation and their protection & safety is our prime duty so they would get a healthy environment for their civil, moral and ethical growth. He has assured that in this drive government shall extend its full support and cooperation to the Legal Services Authorities in successful implementation of the project across the State.   All possible efforts would be made to reach each and every child who has lost his/her parents during pandemic.

            That apart, Justice Gupta has also focused on the difficulties and challenges being faced by Legal Services Authorities in achieving the motto of "Access to Justice for All". Justice Gupta has asked the Secretaries, DLSAs to ensure quality legal services through Panel Advocates by improving their selection process and identifying those advocates who are competent and have sense of commitment towards the legal aid work.

Under the project namely "Arrest the disease-wear a mask, don't go close, cover your nose" launched on 26.03.2021, the Legal Services Authorities of Haryana conducted 182 vaccination camps across the State and 24,911 persons were vaccinated during these camps. These vaccination drives are being undertaken in association with Health Department, Haryana with an aim to clear notions among general public about vaccination and create awareness on importance of vaccination at this stage when the whole world is struggling for its survival due to COVID.   In association with NGOs and jail authorities, 46,096 masks were prepared and 64,426 masks were distributed among needy.

Legal Services Authorities have left no segment of the society unreached and extended all possible assistance during COVID-19. During lockdown, HALSA through DLSAs extended help to 3,50,000 migrants regarding transit and food in coordination with District Administration & NGOs; more than 4000 awareness progarmmes were conducted for creating awareness regarding Covid wherein more than 4,40,000 persons had participated; 2,00,000 mask & sanitizers were distributed; 2700 were provided medical assistance; more than 20,000 Sanitary napkins were distributed; 8121 were assisted with shelter; 20,103 were assisted with regard to travelling to home states or home districts; 1,100 Stranded Labourers were assisted for movement pass.