Parliament Question: Training of para-legal volunteers in Odisha

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 124 ANSWERED ON 29/01/2026 TRAINING OF PARA-LEGAL VOLUNTEERS IN ODISHA 124 SHRI NIRANJAN BISHI: Will the Minister of Law and Justice be pleased to state: (a) whether the Ministry intends to facilitate training of para-legal volunteers in Odisha to assist tribal populations in accessing legal remedies; and (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? 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) and (b): National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) had introduced the ‘Para-Legal Volunteers Scheme’ in the year 2009, with an aim to impart legal training to the volunteers, who are selected from different walks of life so as to ensure legal aid reaching all sections of people including tribal population ensuring access to justice. The said scheme was revised in 2017 and re-named as ‘Scheme for Para-Legal Volunteers (Revised)’. The Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) are expected to act as intermediaries between the common citizens and the Legal Services Institutions to bridge the gap in ensuring access to justice. To enhance the capacities of PLVs, especially their skills and representation, NALSA has prepared an extensive training module namely “Module for Training of Para-Legal Volunteers”, which covers all aspects necessary for training to the PLVs. This Module is intended to inform and sensitize the PLVs on the Constitutional vision of justice, basics of criminal law, labour laws, lawfor juveniles and laws for protection of women and senior citizens. It lays emphasis on knowledge of procedure as well as social sensitivity, soft skills of behavior and communication skills which are essential for dealing with a diverse population. Under the supervision of Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), PLVs undergo training programmes at a common place. In addition to orientation and induction trainings, periodical refresher training is also provided to the PLVs in order to enhance their skills from time to time. The Legal Services Authorities periodically assess the work of PLVs and assist them in identifying the deficits and to tackle the problems in the field. The DLSAs resolve their doubts and facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and upgradation of their skills as per the module. The exemplary services of PLVs are recognised and rewarded for providing the best services to the beneficiaries. As on August, 2025, there are 2,456 PLVs available with Legal Services Authorities in the State of Odisha. During the last three years, Legal Services Authorities in the State of Odisha have conducted the following training programmes for PLVs: - Year No of Training Programme conducted 2023-24 53 2024-25 51 2025-26 54 (upto November, 2025) ***** 2