Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Under the aegis of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Chamba, and as part of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) scheme “Legal Services to Senior Citizens Scheme, 2016”, a legal awareness program was organized on March 5, 2026 at the HPSEBL Guest House, Hardaspura, Chamba.
The program aimed to educate senior citizens about their legal rights, welfare schemes, and the free legal aid services available through the Legal Services Authority.
Advocates Naveen Singh Thakur and Kartik Negi, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsels from the LADC office, Chamba, addressed the gathering as resource persons. They explained in detail the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. Senior citizens were informed that if they are unable to maintain themselves, they can seek maintenance from their children or legal heirs by filing an application before the Maintenance Tribunal. Provisions related to protection of senior citizens’ property, and safeguards against neglect or abuse, were also discussed.
Participants were also briefed about various government welfare schemes, including the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (which provides assistive devices such as walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and spectacles to economically weaker senior citizens), and the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.
The role and functioning of the District Legal Services Authority, Chamba, was highlighted, emphasizing the availability of free legal aid, legal counseling, and advocate services for issues such as maintenance, property disputes, family conflicts, and other legal matters. Senior citizens were encouraged to approach the DLSA office located in the District Court Complex, Chamba, for assistance.
The event saw participation from members of the Pension Welfare Association along with other senior citizens. A total of 54 participants attended, including 49 men and 5 women. The attendees appreciated the awareness initiatives undertaken by the DLSA, Chamba.
The District Legal Services Authority announced that similar programs will continue to be organized in the future to spread legal awareness among different sections of society.
