The Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) organised a one-day State Level Capacity Building -cum- Induction Programme for newly selected Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) today at Conference Hall, ADR Building, Lamphelpat, Imphal West.
The programme commenced with Welcome Address from S. Mangaleibi Devi, Addl. Member Secretary, MASLSA.
The training programme consisted of three sessions. The first session was delivered by Alek Muivah, Member Secretary, MASLSA, on the topics “Empanelment of Para Legal Volunteers in Police Stations for Missing Children and Other Offences against Children Scheme, 2022” and “the directions of the Supreme Court of India in W.P. (C) No. 427 of 2022, Bachpan Bachao Andolan vs. Union of India & Ors”.
In his address, Alek Muivah provided an overview of the roles and responsibilities of PLVs deployed at Police Stations, referring to the directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in Bachpan Bachao Andolan v. Union of India. He emphasised that PLVs are to be properly empanelled and effectively stationed at Police Stations to assist child victims, particularly in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, thereby ensuring immediate support and childfriendly procedures at the initial point of contact with law enforcement.
He further called upon the PLVs to safeguard the rights and dignity of children in the light of Articles 21 and 14 of the Constitution of India. Referring to Article 21, he highlighted the fundamental right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to live with dignity, privacy, and access to legal aid. Citing Article 14, he stressed the importance of equality before law and equal protection of laws, urging PLVs to act without discrimination.
Describing PLVs as the foot soldiers of the Legal Services Authorities, he encouraged them to maintain integrity, discipline, and dedication in their service, and to act as the true representatives and face of the Legal Services Institutions at Police Stations across the State.
Ch. Momon Singh, Advocate & Member, MASLSA presented the second session on the topic – Overview of Legal Services Institutions and the Role of PLVs within the Legal Aid Framework. He elaborated on the structure and roles of Manipur State Legal Services Authority, the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), and various Legal Aid Clinics. The session also covered the role, responsibilities, reporting hierarchy, and ethical code of conduct of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) deployed at Police Stations, the Rajya Sainik Board Manipur, and other Legal Aid Clinics. In addition, he provided practical insights into procedural aspects such as registration of FIRs, police complaints, criminal complaints, and maintenance of case diaries.
The third session was delivered by RK Memcha Devi, Judge, Special Court No. 1 (POCSO), on the topic “Child Rights & Legal Protection”. She sensitized the participants on key provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and explained the roles of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and Support Persons in safeguarding the interests of children. She also highlighted the provisions for free legal aid and assistance for child victims and children in need of care and protection.
The training was participated by a total of 91 Para Legal Volunteers which includes 89 PLVs posted at Police Stations and 2 PLVs posted at Legal Aid Clinic, Rajya Sainik Board, Imphal. Some of the participants who could not attend physically participated through VC.
