Bhubaneswar: In a move to reach out to the lawyers’ community in the state ahead of 2019 elections, the BJD government Sunday announced that it would increase the welfare fund for lawyers next year.
“The Advocates’ Welfare Fund will be enhanced from the present Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore from the next year,” said BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik addressing the state executive meet of the BJD Legal Front.
Patnaik also announced the setting up of an advocates’ academy in the state, while the Madhusudan Law Collage in Cuttack would soon be upgraded to a law university.
“We have constituted the Odisha State Law Commission to aid and advice in matters related to legal reforms and qualitative legislation relevant to the current times. Steps are also being taken at the government level to declare Madhusudan Law College as a law university. We also propose to establish an ‘Advocates Academy’ for training and skill development of lawyers,” Patnaik said.
The Chief Minister called upon the lawyers’ community to work with the BJD and its government wholeheartedly in Odisha’s battle for Mahanadi water. “I expect the lawyers to come forward to save the pride of Odisha and be an integrated part of ‘Save Mahanadi Movement’,” the BJD chief said.
Stating that lawyers are the legal guide for the masses, Patnaik appealed to them to make legal aid available at the grassroots level with a view to help the poor get justice. “You should also carry forward the message of growth and development of our government to the people of Odisha, as they look upon you to make them aware of their rights and entitlements,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that his government has taken a number of steps to ease access to justice to the people, including establishment of courts in all the 314 blocks of the state.
In addition, the government has set up special courts for women, ST and SC communities, appointed of judicial officers, organised Lok Adalats, Legal Aid Clinics, engaged lawyers to conduct legal aid cases, engaged para-legal volunteers and others. According to him, Madhubabu Aain Sahayata at the panchayat level is one of the most progressive and dynamic initiatives of his government that aims to provide instant and easy access to justice to the weaker sections of society.
Patnaik said that his government is committed to find out amicable solutions to the issues faced by the legal community in the state. Ignorance regarding legal rights is a major drawback in securing justice of the common people and protecting their rights and liberty. “I hope the BJD Legal Front will strive towards creating legal literacy among the people.”