Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, recently conducted a visit to the Court Complex Char-e-Shreef. The esteemed Chief Justice was warmly welcomed by Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Principal District and Session’s Judge of Budgam, along with Fakrun Nisa, Munsif/Judicial Magistrate of Char-e-Shreef, and members of the bar.
The occasion was graced by a ceremonial guard of honor from the J&K Police contingent. During the visit, Chief Justice inspected the Court Complex, interacted with members of the bar, and attentively listened to their concerns. The purpose of this inspection was to ensure the smooth functioning of the judicial infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and address any issues raised by the legal community. The Chief Justice emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to providing fair and efficient justice to the people, upholding the rule of law.
In a gesture of reverence and spiritual fulfillment, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh also paid obeisance at the sacred Ziyarat-e-Shreef Sheikh Ul Aalam (RA). This revered shrine holds immense historical and religious significance and symbolizes the unity and harmony of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh inaugurated the Legal Services and Awareness Camp on “Welfare Schemes for Tribals.” The camp was organized by The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam in collaboration with the District Administration Budgam and the Tribal Affairs Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, serving as the Patron-in-chief of the JK Legal Services Authority, graced the event as the “Chief Guest.” The esteemed gathering also included Justice Tashi Rabstan, Judge of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Executive Chairman of the JK Legal Services Authority), and Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Tribal Affairs Department, who adorned the event as Guests of Honor.
The event witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries such as Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, M.K. Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Principal District & Session’s Judge of Budgam (Chairman DLSA Budgam), Akshay Labru, District Development Commissioner of Budgam, Al Tahir Geelani, SSP Budgam, Ikramullah Tak, ADDC Budgam, Chief Medical Officer of Budgam, District Social Welfare Officer of Budgam, Assistant Labour Commissioner of Budgam, Executive Engineer of R&B division Budgam, Executive Engineer of R&B division Chadoora, and District Officers from other departments.
The Legal Services and Awareness Camp aimed to provide valuable legal knowledge and promote the welfare schemes available for the tribal communities in Jammu and Kashmir. With the support and active participation of various government departments, including the Social Welfare Department, Tribal Affairs Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Sheep Husbandry Department, Department of Youth Services and Supports, NRLM, Labour and Employment Departments, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Revenue Department, Department of Health Services, Rural Development Department, Department of Revenue, Handloom/Handicraft Departments, Department of Agriculture, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Department of Horticulture, and Department of Industries and Commerce, the event witnessed a comprehensive and holistic approach to empowering the tribal population.
During his presidential address, Chief Justice appreciated the efforts of DLSA Budgam and other government departments for reaching out to the common masses in far-flung areas. His Lordship highlighted the significance of the presence of government departments at legal services camps, as it enables the tribal community to directly interact with representatives and officials, gaining in-depth knowledge about the schemes and services available to them. His Lordship assured the establishment of a legal aid clinic in a tribal area, engaging passionate youth from the tribal community as para-legal volunteers. This initiative will facilitate the implementation of various welfare schemes of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
Justice Tashi Rabstan, in his address, emphasized the comprehensive implementation of welfare schemes to uplift the lives of tribal communities and ensure their holistic development. These schemes are designed to provide equitable opportunities, promote socio-economic empowerment, preserve tribal culture, and secure a brighter future for the tribal communities.
Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary to the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Tribal Affairs Department, assured maximum outreach to the tribal community and proper implementation of tribal welfare schemes.
An important highlight of the camp was the distribution of sanction letters and benefits under various government welfare schemes to the beneficiaries, ensuring that the schemes reach the intended individuals and communities. The active involvement of Chief Justice and Executive Chairman Justice Tashi Rabstan in this process earned them special recognition for their dedication and commitment to securing justice and promoting the well-being of the tribal population. Additionally, Honorable Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and Executive Chairman Justice Tashi Rabstan distributed compensation cheques sanctioned by the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority under the Victim Compensation Scheme among the beneficiaries.
This event witnessed a collaborative effort from various departments and agencies that have tirelessly worked towards the welfare of the tribal community. The Social Welfare Department, Tribal Affairs Department, Animal Husbandry Department, Sheep Husbandry Department, Department of Youth Services and Supports, NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission), Labour and Employment Departments, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Revenue Department, Department of Health Services, Rural Development Department, Department of Revenue, Handloom/Handicraft Departments, Department of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, and Department of Industries and Commerce actively participated in the event by setting up stalls to disseminate information and provide assistance.
The presence of these departments facilitated direct interaction between beneficiaries and government officials, enabling individuals to gain comprehensive insights into various welfare schemes and services available to them. Moreover, it provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to clarify doubts and seek guidance directly from the concerned authorities.
The Legal Services and Awareness Camp provided an excellent platform for tribal communities to engage with various government departments and gain insights into the available schemes and services. The stalls set up by different departments served as information centres, allowing attendees to seek guidance, clarify doubts, and explore opportunities for growth and development.
The event witnessed a significant turnout, reflecting the shared commitment of all stakeholders towards ensuring access to justice and welfare for the tribal population. It served as a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by the organizing committee, volunteers, and all the participating departments to create a meaningful impact on the lives of the tribals in Jammu and Kashmir.
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