How to Become a Para-Legal Volunteer in India?

Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) are a vital part of India’s legal aid system, acting as a bridge between the legal institutions and the marginalized communities. They are trained individuals from various walks of life who provide basic legal assistance and awareness at the grassroots level. This article outlines the process of becoming a PLV, the eligibility criteria, the training involved, and the responsibilities of a PLV under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) scheme.

What is the Para-Legal Volunteer Scheme?

The Para-Legal Volunteer Scheme, launched by NALSA in 2009, aims to extend legal aid to all sections of society, particularly those in remote areas, by training volunteers from diverse backgrounds. PLVs are expected to act as intermediaries, connecting people with legal services and resolving disputes at the local level. The scheme focuses on reaching out to people rather than waiting for them to approach legal institutions.

Key Objectives of the PLV Scheme:

• Accessibility: To ensure legal aid reaches all sections of society, especially in remote areas.

• Bridging the Gap: To act as intermediaries between the community and legal institutions.

• Local Dispute Resolution: To counsel and amicably settle simple disputes at the source.

• Legal Awareness: To impart awareness about laws and the legal system.

• Community Empowerment: To empower communities by educating them about their rights and entitlements.

Who Can Become a Para-Legal Volunteer?

PLVs are selected from various groups, including:

• Teachers (including retired teachers).

• Retired government servants and senior citizens.

• MSW students and teachers.

• Anganwadi workers.

• Doctors and physicians.

• Students and law students (until they enroll as lawyers).

• Members of non-political, service-oriented NGOs and clubs.

• Members of women neighborhood groups and self-help groups.

• Educated prisoners with good behavior serving long-term sentences.

• Any other person deemed fit by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) or Taluk Legal Services Committee (TLSC).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Literacy: PLVs should be literate, preferably matriculate, with a capacity for overall comprehension.

• Mindset: They should have a mindset to assist the needy, with compassion, empathy, and a genuine concern for the marginalized.

• Commitment: They must have an unflinching commitment to the cause of justice and be willing to undertake the work voluntarily.

• No Income Dependency: Preferably, PLVs should not rely on their work as PLVs for their income.

Selection Process:

• District Level Selection: A committee chaired by the Chairman of the DLSA, with the Secretary of the DLSA and a third member selected by the Chairman, conducts the selection.

• Taluk Level Selection: A committee chaired by the Chairman of the DLSA, with the Member Secretary of the DLSA, the Chairman of the TLSC, and a fourth member selected by the Chairman of the DLSA, conducts the selection.

• Empanelment: Applications are invited through advertisements or notices, and selection is based on interviews.

• Preference: Preference is given to women applicants, and representation from marginalized communities is ensured.

Training of Para-Legal Volunteers:

• Training Program: PLVs undergo a training program under the supervision of the Chairman of the DLSA and the Member Secretary.

• Training Location: The training is held at a convenient place decided by the Chairman of the DLSA.

• Training Duration: The training program is typically for a few days, and the number of PLVs trained at a time does not exceed 50.

• Training Curriculum: The training includes:

  • Orientation Program: An overview of the role of PLVs and the code of ethics.

  • Basic Training: Basics of different laws, the judicial system, and the functioning of various stakeholders.

  • Refresher Training: Periodic refresher training to assess the quality of work and address challenges.

• Trainers: Trainers are identified by the Chairman of the DLSA in consultation with the State Legal Services Authority and may include members of the Bar, NGOs, law teachers, retired judicial officers, and others.

Responsibilities of a Para-Legal Volunteer:

• Legal Awareness: Educate people about their rights and entitlements.

• Dispute Resolution: Counsel and amicably settle simple disputes at the local level.

• Connecting with Legal Institutions: Act as a bridge between the community and legal institutions.

• Monitoring Transgressions: Keep a watch on violations of law and injustice in their area and report them to the TLSC.

• Assisting Arrested Persons: Ensure that arrested persons receive legal assistance.

• Supporting Victims of Crime: Ensure that victims of crime receive proper care and attention.

• Visiting Jails and Institutions: Visit jails, lock-ups, psychiatric hospitals, and children’s homes to ascertain the legal service needs of the inmates.

• Reporting Child Rights Violations: Report violations of child rights, child labor, and trafficking.

• Organizing Legal Awareness Camps: Assist in organizing legal awareness camps.

• Providing Information: Inform people about the legal services available and how to access them.

• Promoting ADR: Generate awareness about the benefits of ADR mechanisms like Lok Adalats.

• Assisting in Public Utility Disputes: Help resolve disputes related to public utility services.

• Maintaining Records: Maintain a diary of daily activities and submit monthly reports.

• Working in Front Offices: Operate the “front offices” of legal services institutions.

• Assisting in Legal Literacy Classes: Assist in organizing legal literacy classes and camps.

Identity Cards:

• Successful PLVs are given identity cards bearing the emblem of the DLSA.

• The card includes the PLV’s name, address, contact number, photograph, and validity period.

• The card is for identification purposes only and cannot be used for availing travel concessions or government benefits.

Validity of Identity Cards:

• Identity cards are valid for one year and can be renewed if the DLSA Chairman deems the PLV eligible.

Mentors for PLVs:

• DLSAs and TLSCs maintain a panel of mentors to guide and assist PLVs.

• One mentor is assigned to a group of not more than ten PLVs.

Monthly Reports:

• DLSAs submit monthly reports on PLV activities to the SALSAs.

• SALSAs submit consolidated district-wise reports to NALSA.

Honorarium:

• PLVs receive a fixed honorarium for their services, which is not a salary or wage.

• The honorarium is determined by the SALSA in consultation with NALSA.

Disqualifications and Removal:

PLVs can be disqualified and removed if they:

• Fail to show interest in the scheme.

• Are adjudged insolvent.

• Are accused of an offense.

• Become physically or mentally incapable of acting as PLVs.

• Abuse their position or engage in misconduct.

• Are active political enthusiasts.

National Level Meetings:

• SALSAs may select PLVs to attend national-level programs organized by NALSA.

• SALSAs may also recommend PLVs for national awards.

Database of PLVs:

• DLSAs maintain a database of PLVs, including their names, addresses, contact information, and the validity of their identity cards.

• SALSAs maintain a state-level directory of PLVs.

Becoming a Para-Legal Volunteer is a way to contribute to the cause of justice and empower marginalized communities. The NALSA scheme provides a structured approach to training and utilizing PLVs, ensuring that they are equipped to provide effective legal assistance at the grassroots level. By understanding the eligibility criteria, training, and responsibilities, individuals can take the first step towards becoming valuable agents of change in their communities.