NSLSA and DDLSA organised an awareness programme on the NALSA (JAGRITI) Scheme at Central Jail, Chümoukedima.
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA), in collaboration with the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) and Central Jail, Chümoukedima, held an awareness programme on the NALSA (JAGRITI) SCHEME, 2025, on Saturday.
The programme was held on the theme "Rights in custody, dignity for all" at the Central Jail, Chümoukedima, stated an update.
Delivering the keynote address, NSLSA Member Secretary Neiko Akami highlighted that deprivation of liberty does not extinguish constitutional and human rights. He stressed the importance of ensuring access to free legal aid, legal awareness, and effective prison legal aid mechanisms for all persons in custody.
The member secretary spoke on legal facilitation for eligible prisoners seeking remission, premature release, parole, and furlough, while underscoring the need for capacity building of jail-visiting lawyers, paralegal legal volunteers (PLVs), and prison officials through the effective use of the e-Prisons Portal and e-Remission Module.
He also called for strengthening Prison Legal Aid Clinics (PLACs), organising "Know your case" drives to help inmates understand the status of their cases and available legal remedies, identifying eligible prisoners under the Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) framework, and enhancing legal literacy through awareness programmes and participatory activities.
The member secretary further highlighted the importance of inter-departmental collaboration and partnerships with law universities, law colleges, and other institutions to promote legal awareness, rehabilitation, and the successful reintegration of prisoners into society.
According to the latest statistics collected by jail committee officials, there are a total of 199 prisoners currently lodged at the Central Jail, out of which 122 are undertrial prisoners, 56 are convicts, 14 are lodged under the National Security Act (NSA), and seven are held on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS)-related cases. Akami further informed that legal aid was extended to four convicts, all of whom have been released from jail this month.
Central Jail Jailor Zubemo briefed participants on the remission and premature release of eligible convicts who are entitled based on their behaviour inside the jail and good conduct towards other inmates and jail authorities.
He pointed out the procedures and informed that the list of convicts is sent to the government, and after approval, eligible names are forwarded during Independence Day celebrations. He said convicts are encouraged to be on their best behaviour and be responsible citizens after their serving period ends.
Speaking on the theme, Advocate Khumchuba explained that the JAGRITI Scheme aims to strengthen legal awareness and ensure access to free legal aid for those unable to engage legal counsel. He said the Legal Services Authorities and Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC) system provides legal assistance to eligible persons, adding that the constitutional rights of all persons in custody, including convicts and undertrial prisoners, remain protected under the law.
Advocate Rokovitsu Khate spoke on the rights and dignity of prisoners, stating that while certain liberties may be restricted following conviction, their fundamental right to life and dignity continues to be protected.
He stressed prisoners' right to be informed of legal proceedings, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to choose legal representation. He also highlighted the importance of educational, vocational, and rehabilitative activities within prisons to facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society, while reiterating the principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.