DSLSA Successfully Completes "Project Saksham: A Chance At New Beginnings" Pioneering Initiative For Undertrial Accused Persons

Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) successful completed the first phase of “Project Saksham: A Chance at New Beginnings,” a groundbreaking initiative aimed at comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration of undertrial accused persons into society.

Undertrial incarceration poses multifaceted challenges, with individuals encountering various obstacles while awaiting trial. Recognizing the critical need for intervention, DSLSA launched "Project Saksham" to address the complex needs of undertrial accused persons and mitigate the risk of recidivism.

As part of this initiative, DSLSA organized a 'Job Mela' at Rouse Avenue Courts Complex, facilitating job placements within the hospitality industry for deserving candidates. Over 83 Letters of Intent were issued to candidates by companies in the hospitality, food service, and healthcare sectors, marking a significant stride toward their successful societal reintegration. The average CTC offered to the participants who received the Letters of Intent stood at Rs. 2.2 Lakhs. The event saw the participation from over 8 States including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Haryana.

Project Saksham began with the collection of data of unemployed undertrial accused persons who underwent skill development courses during their incarceration. The initiative seeks to harness the talents and potential of these individuals, providing them with avenues for meaningful employment and societal contribution. In a holistic approach to rehabilitation, the benefits of the Project have also been extended to family members of the undertrials who are in need of employment, ensuring comprehensive support for their reintegration into society.

At the heart of Project Saksham lies the idea of bringing both employers and skill development agencies on board, which has been instrumental in creating employment opportunities for undertrial accused persons and their families. This collaborative effort ensures a sustainable approach to rehabilitation and societal integration.

In a significant stride, an Orientation Session was conducted for nominated Para Legal Volunteers by respective District Legal Services Authorities to elucidate their role in fulfilling the project's objectives. Subsequently, dedicated Para Legal Volunteers of DSLSA undertook visits to the residences of undertrials recently released on bail who were residents of Delhi, and whose correct addresses were available, demonstrating commitment despite challenging circumstances. These individuals were briefed about available career opportunities and encouraged to take part in the Job Mela by the Para Legal Volunteers. Additionally, efforts were made to reach out individually to those residing in other States and Union Territories, who had been incarcerated in Delhi Prisons for a period, both directly and through the respective State Legal Services Authorities.

Under the able guidance Justice Manmohan, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Delhi and Executive Chairperson Delhi State Legal Services Authority, the project was conceptualized and executed by Sh. Naveen Gupta, Ld. Special Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Mridul Gupta, Ld. Additional Secretary, DSLSA, Sh. Abhinav Pandey, Ld. Secretary (Litigation), DSLSA, and the Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities of Delhi. Industry partners including skill development agencies such as Primero: Skills and Training and THSC: Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, along with employers like Max Healthcare, Barbeque-Nation Hospitality Limited, Eduvantage Private Limited, Quess Corp Limited, Impressario Entertainment, and AGR Talent Consulting LLP, collaborated to make this initiative successful. Moreover, in the Job Mela, the undertrial accused persons not only had an opportunity to secure employment but also volunteer to become Community Para Legal Volunteers with DSLSA, making a meaningful contribution to society and rewriting the narrative of their lives.