New Delhi, March 23 The Delhi State Legal Services Authority launched an initiative on Monday to include ASHA and Anganwadi workers as para-legal volunteers, in the presence of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Under the initiative, "Community Legal Empowerment through Health and Childcare Platforms," the outreach and grassroots presence of frontline workers will be leveraged under the National Health Mission and the Integrated Child Development Services to spread legal awareness.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice Kant said that ASHA and Anganwadi workers would form a "peaceful army" to ensure "justice at the doorstep".
"The constitutional framework is that people should not have to come to you for justice, but you should go to them. If there is any peaceful army for justice at the doorstep, it is ASHA and Anganwadi workers," he said.
He added that these workers understand the problems of the poor and can connect with them effectively.
Kant emphasized the responsibility of the judicial system to ensure accessible justice for the disadvantaged.
Selected ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be trained as para-legal volunteers to engage directly with households and identify legal and welfare-related issues.
The Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) also launched its 'Hospital Facilitation Centres' in government hospitals across the city to provide immediate legal assistance and free medical treatment to victims in need.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and several other dignitaries were present at the event, which was held in the high court's auditorium.