Community Awareness Program on Legal Rights for Mental Health in Chamba

Successful Awareness Initiative in Chamba

Subhash Mahajan
Chamba

A significant awareness event was held today at Gram Panchayat Basodhan in District Chamba, as part of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) initiative titled “Legal Services to Persons with Mental Illness and Intellectual Disabilities, 2024”.

The primary goal of this initiative was to inform the community about the rights of individuals with mental health issues and intellectual disabilities, as well as to provide information on free legal assistance and various government support programs.

Participants learned about the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, the services available for free legal aid, and the government schemes designed to assist them. The session encouraged active participation, allowing attendees to engage in discussions and receive clear answers to their questions.

Mr. Naveen Singh Thakur, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel, led the session, with support from Ms. Manisha Kumari (PLV) and Mr. Abdul Sheikh (Peon, DLSA Chamba), who ensured the event ran smoothly.

Dr. Prateek from the CMO’s office also addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of mental health, the treatment options available, and the necessity for timely intervention.

The event saw participation from 35 individuals, comprising 15 women and 20 men, showcasing strong community engagement. The program was concluded successfully and received positive feedback from those in attendance.