Odisha Govt to offer free legal counselling at panchayats

Sambad English Bureau Published On : May 31, 2016 at 10:47 PM Updated On : May 31, 2016 at 11:00 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 31:

Odisha Government has decided to roll out ‘Madhu Babu Magana Aain Sahayata Kendra’ (Madhu Babu free legal counselling centres) across all panchayats of the state to offer legal aid to the denizens of the state.

Will fight Assembly polls from Ghasipura as an independent nominee: Soumya Ranjan

Odisha-born former J’khand HC Chief Justice Sanjaya Mishra appointed GSTAT President

According to a press notification issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) following the performance review of Law Department by the Chief Minister today; these centres would be set up in joint collaboration of Panchayati Raj Department and the Law Department.

These centres will be operated by an advocate assisted by the Panchayat Extension Officer (PEO). Apart from offering free legal counselling, they will educate the natives on their rights.

These centres will operate weekly, said the release. It however, did not specify any time frame for setting up these centres.

Highlighting other achievements of the Law Department, the CMO said that the department has translated 32 bills presented in the Assembly into Odia and has started appointing Language Officers.

Besides, video conferencing facilities are being set up in 94 courts and the office of the Advocate General. Further, the department has increased the Advocate Welfare Fund to Rs 3 crore, said the release.