Lucknow, 26 July (HS): Jeevak Kumar Singh,

Secretary-in-Charge of the District Legal Services Authority, Lucknow, stated

that the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has implemented the

Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Persons with

Intellectual Disability Scheme, 2024. The objective of this scheme is to

provide free legal aid to persons with mental illness or intellectual disability,

ensuring a dignified life, equal opportunity, and effective access to justice.

Singh stated that individuals with mental illness or intellectual disability,

residents of mental health institutions, and prisoners with mental illness or

intellectual disability are eligible for free legal aid under this scheme.

Assistance will be provided through trained panel lawyers, paralegal volunteers

(PLVs), and Legal Aid Defense Councils (LADCs).

Under the scheme, services will be provided through assistance in civil, criminal,

and administrative matters, legal assistance in police stations and courts,

counseling through legal aid clinics, mental health institutions, prisons,

child and women's protection homes, and home visits, if needed. Beneficiaries

will also be made aware of their legal and constitutional rights.

He said that NALSA has also made provision for the formation of Legal Services

Unit for Mental Illness (LSUM), through which effective assistance will be

provided in coordination with mental health experts, social workers and legal

service institutions. Singh appealed to the public to be sensitive towards

persons with mental illness or intellectual disability, not to discriminate

against them, and to respect their dignity and privacy. For free legal aid, contact

the National Legal Aid Helpline 15100 (toll-free) and for mental health

assistance, contact the Tele-Psychiatry Helpline 14416.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi