Legal Awareness Program for Senior Citizens Held in Chamba

Empowering Seniors with Legal Knowledge

Subhash Mahajan
Chamba

On March 5, 2026, a legal awareness initiative was conducted at the HPSEBL Guest House in Hardaspura, Chamba, under the guidance of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) as part of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) initiative titled “Legal Services to Senior Citizens Scheme, 2016”.

The primary goal of this program was to inform senior citizens about their legal rights, available welfare schemes, and the free legal aid services provided by the Legal Services Authority.

Advocates Naveen Singh Thakur and Kartik Negi, who serve as Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsels from the LADC office in Chamba, were the key speakers at the event. They elaborated on the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, informing attendees that seniors unable to support themselves can request maintenance from their children or legal heirs by submitting an application to the Maintenance Tribunal. They also discussed protections for senior citizens’ property and measures against neglect or abuse.

Additionally, participants learned about various government welfare programs, including the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (which provides essential aids like walking sticks, wheelchairs, hearing aids, and glasses to economically disadvantaged seniors), and the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme.

The session highlighted the functions of the District Legal Services Authority in Chamba, emphasizing the availability of free legal aid, legal counseling, and advocacy services for issues such as maintenance, property disputes, family matters, and other legal concerns. Seniors were encouraged to visit the DLSA office located in the District Court Complex, Chamba, for support.

The event attracted members of the Pension Welfare Association and other senior citizens, with a total of 54 attendees, comprising 49 men and 5 women. Participants expressed gratitude for the awareness efforts led by the DLSA in Chamba.

The District Legal Services Authority announced plans to continue organizing similar programs in the future to enhance legal awareness among various community groups.