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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2077
TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 31ST JULY, 2026
AVAILABILITY OF FREE LEGAL AID SERVICES
2077. SHRI MALVINDER SINGH KANG:
Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has assessed the availability of free legal aid services in the
border districts of Punjab;
(b) the number of beneficiaries who have received legal aid during the last three years;
(c) whether additional funds have been allocated to strengthen legal services in these
districts; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW
AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS
(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)
(a) to (d): The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statuary body established
under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987. NALSA regularly conducts review
meetings with State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) to assess the impact of legal aid
services across the Country including Punjab. Simultaneously, all-India meetings of legal
services authorities are held to evaluate the overall functioning of legal services institutions.
During these meetings, officials from State and District Legal Services Authorities provide
valuable feedback on the effectiveness of legal aid services.
More than 2 lakh beneficiaries have received legal aid and advice in the State of
Punjab during the last three financial years. Data of district-wise beneficiaries of legal aid and
advice is not maintained by the NALSA.
1The allocation of funds by the NALSA to the States/UT Legal Services Authorities is
made on a consolidated basis for implementation of various legal aid schemes and
programmes framed under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Data of district -wise
allocation of funds is not maintained by NALSA. The details of allocation of funds to Punjab
State Legal Services Authority during the last three financial years are as under: -
Financial Years For Legal Aid Fund For LADCS Scheme Total (in Rs.)
(in Rs.) (in Rs.)
2023-24 7,50,00,000 10,75,00,000 18,25,00,000
2024-25 7,94,00,000 4,40,00,000 12,34,00,000
2025-26 10,25,00,000 11,04,49,000 21,29,49,000
Total 25,69,00,000 26,19,49,000 51,88,49,000
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