Legal Services Committee, NLUO
Events
LEGAL AWARNESS SESSION FOR HOUSEKEEPING AND BLUE COLLAR WORKERS
In a bid to empower and educate its invaluable housekeeping and blue-collar workforce, the Legal Services Committee recently organized a Legal Awareness Session. This initiative aimed to inform workers about their rights, emphasizing fair labour practices, workplace safety, and wage entitlements. Additionally, the session shed light on government schemes such as:-
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, designed to secure the future of their daughters
• Biju Swastha Kalyan Yojana, ensuring access to quality healthcare.
These schemes can provide financial security and access to healthcare, addressing essential aspects of a worker's life beyond the workplace.
The University's commitment to the well-being and rights of its workforce continues to strengthen, fostering a more equitable and informed work environment. At the end of the Legal Awareness Session, we did not just disseminate information; we fostered connections. We engaged in meaningful conversations and broke the ice with our dedicated workers, strengthening the bonds within our university community.
With knowledge as their shield and unity as their strength, our housekeeping and blue-collar workers are now equipped to build a brighter future. Together, we stand, forging a path towards a more just and hopeful tomorrow.
KNOW YOUR LAW SERIES
Introducing the 'Know Your Law Series' by the Legal Service Committee. In the digital age, understanding your legal rights is paramount. We've embarked on a journey to illuminate legal intricacies through engaging social media content. From tenancy rights to labor laws, we're here to empower you with knowledge. The series has dissipated knowledge including but not limited to:
• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
• Consumer Rights Laws
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act, 2013.
Our mission is simple: make legal awareness a right, not a privilege. We want to make an effort to bridge the gap between the legal complexities of our society and the general public in the digital age. Ultimately, the series is about making justice accessible to all. Informed individuals are better equipped to navigate legal challenges, seek assistance when needed, and advocate for their rights. This contributes to a more just society where the rule of law is upheld.
Join us in creating a legally aware society, where dialogue thrives, questions are encouraged, and justice is accessible to all. Together, we're shaping a future where informed individuals can advocate for their rights confidently, one post at a time.
PARA VIRAJ 2023
Keeping inclusivity as the prime object of the society, The Legal Aid Society, NLUO along with NLUO's Sports Committee and IDIA, hosted a 4-day long sports event for specially abled .
The multitude of events were organised in the span of four days from 6th April to 9th April, 2023.
Day 1 began with an enthusiastic participation in the Exhibition match of Women’s Blind Cricket team. It was followed by the opening ceremony, held in the esteemed presence of Mr. Sunil Kumar Bansal, the DGP, Odisha as our chief guest, Vice Chancellor Prof. Ved Kumari and Registrar Rangin Pallav Tripathy.
On day 2, a badminton tournament for the deaf and dumb was organised. It was a highly successful event with active participation from students of the Shri Baleswar School of Deaf, Angels and Arks and Ashraya.
On day 3, a cricket match was held between the physically challenged sportspersons from Bhubaneswar and the cricket team of NLUO. The match underscored the importance of inclusivity in sports. It provided an opportunity for physically challenged individuals to actively participate in a sport that is traditionally seen as physically demanding.
Day 4 saw active engagement of participants in numerous indoor activities held in the sports complex of our campus. Our activities were organised in an accessible manner as required to facilitate the needs of the participants with disabilities. It was ensured that all of the participants felt included and accepted among us.
In summary, Para Viraj was not just a sports event; it was a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and the potential of individuals with disabilities. By providing a platform for participation, raising awareness, and fostering a sense of unity, the event contributed to a more inclusive and accepting society, where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can participate and thrive.
legal camp AT munda sahi
On 25th March 2023, the society along with NSS organized a legal awareness camp in which our members organized a skit on menstrual hygiene and also highlighted the importance of the Legal Aid Clinic and its functioning. This skit aimed to raise awareness about the significance of menstrual hygiene and to break the taboo surrounding the topic along with disseminating awareness about Legal Aid and how it can be accessed by the weaker sections of the society.
Spectators were told about the Legal Aid Clinic of NLUO and how they can approach it for the redressal of their legal cases. They were also acquainted with Mantri Babu, the driving force of the Clinic.
We also distributed free sanitary pads and biscuits to the attendees, making sure that they had access to the resources they needed to take care of themselves. This camp was an important initiative to promote women's health and to empower women to take control of their lives and to empower them with the knowledge of their rights through our Clinic.
DONATION DRIVE AT PATHAPUR
In a world often defined by choices, there's a profound distinction between choosing and deciding to help and serve. It's a conscious decision made not for oneself but for the greater good, a commitment to shaping a brighter future for all.
​
On February 22, 2023, our society transformed this decision into action as we conducted a successful donation drive in the heart of Pathapur Village. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the NLUO fraternity, whose unwavering generosity poured in through contributions of clothes, stationery, books, and other valuable items. Together, we became the catalyst for meaningful change, leaving behind a legacy of hope that will endure in the lives of those we touched.
​
This event stands as a testament to the incredible impact we can make when we unite with a common purpose and compassion as our guideposts. It reinforces the belief that even the smallest of actions, driven by collective goodwill, have the potential to create lasting ripples of positive change.
In Pathapur Village, we didn't just make a difference; we illuminated the path to a more compassionate and caring society. Let this endeavor inspire us to continue working together, knowing that our unity and determination can pave the way for a brighter and more hopeful future, one action at a time.
_edited.jpg)
AWARNESS CAMP AT JANKIA
The Legal Aid Society at NLUO, in collaboration with the Centre for Mediation and Negotiation and the Pro Bono Club, embarked on a transformative journey to Jankia, Khordha District, Odisha. Their mission was clear: to educate and empower the women and young girls of the village on two vital fronts – menstrual hygiene and the significance of mediation in dispute resolution.
​
With dedicated student members at the helm, the campaign aimed to create awareness about the Maternity Benefit Amendment Act of 2017, fostering legal literacy among the audience, particularly young girls. Beyond just disseminating information, the goal was to ignite a spark of understanding and empowerment.
To ensure the practical application of shared knowledge, the organizers went a step further by distributing free sanitary products to all the women and girls present. This gesture was a poignant reminder that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact on the lives of others.
​
The campaign not only illuminated the importance of menstrual hygiene and mediation but also underscored the power of collective action and the responsibility we bear to uplift those in our communities. It showcased how, through education and empathy, we can work towards a future where every individual, regardless of their background, can lead a healthier, more informed, and empowered life.
PARA VIRAJ 2022
The Legal Aid Society at NLUO proudly hosted the much-anticipated flagship event, 'Para Viraj,' in collaboration with the interim sports committee and their dedicated volunteering partner, IDIA. This extraordinary event had a noble mission at its core – to champion sports for para-athletes and students with disabilities, providing them with a platform to showcase their incredible talents and fuel their passion for sports.
​
With unbridled enthusiasm, over 100 participants converged to take part in 'Para Viraj,' demonstrating their remarkable skills across a spectrum of sports. This event was more than just a competition; it was an inspiring testament to the human spirit and the power of sports to unite us all.
​
'Para Viraj' transcended boundaries, bringing together teams from Ravenshaw University and Sri Beleswar High School for the Deaf in an unforgettable cricket match. Furthermore, the event featured indoor games like chess and carrom, specifically tailored for children aged 7-18 years from NGOs Swabhiman, Sri Beleswar High School for the Deaf, and NGO Angels and Arks.
​
Beyond the fields and game boards, 'Para Viraj' was a celebration of inclusivity and the boundless potential residing within every individual. It was a powerful reminder that when we come together, regardless of our backgrounds, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
DONATE A SMILE
On the auspicious occasion of Diwali 2021, the Legal Aid Society embarked on a heartwarming journey of giving, building upon the overwhelming response garnered from previous donation drives. With unwavering support from the compassionate students and faculty of NLUO, the Legal Aid Society collected an array of clothes and essential stationery items, symbols of care and goodwill.
​
These tokens of kindness found their way to Basundhara and Swami Bichitrananda Kalyan Ashram in Cuttack, where they illuminated the lives of those residing there. In the backdrop of a world grappling with the echoes of the COVID-19 pandemic, this donation drive was nothing short of a beacon of hope, a testament to the indomitable spirit of giving back to society.
​
More than just gifts, this Diwali donation drive was a celebration of empathy and humanity. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of compassion shines through.
E-Mahak QUIZ
Since pandemic, imparting education has been one of the most difficult task especially for the school kids and legal education has not been a mandatory component of the school curriculum, the Legal Aid Society, NLUO, in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit, Khordha, has been holding monthly quiz sessions for children in Khordha's Child Care Institutions called E-Mahak Quiz.
The quiz was divided into three categories:
-
Junior
-
Sub Junior
-
Senior
The questions were spread across various subject areas and with the help of parents and teachers we were able to successfully conduct quizzes for children in regional language.
​
These kids were highly energetic, bright, passionate, and full of entertainment! This has been a learning experience for not only the children but also for the members of the society. The categories were divided into junior, senior and sub-junior. During tough times of Covid pandemic, when everyone was learning distantly, these quiz sessions cheered up the spirits of members, children and teachers of the school.
project prayas
Life in the midst of COVID-19 has sparked fear, frustration and anxiety all around. With the advent of the second wave now, more than ever, the Legal Aid Society has decided to focus all of our energy on defeating this pandemic and the challenges associated with it. Nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of our community and our state.
After careful analysis and thoughts, we found that Odisha’s situation differs from that of the other states as here, there is no lack of resources but rather a lack of information. Even with the government trying its best to help the population, their resources are not reaching the beneficiaries for a simple reason – THEY DON’T KNOW HOW AND WHERE TO AVAIL THE SAME. This is where we decided to step in and do our part.
Our initiative, Project Prayas is a 24x7 Covid-19 Helpline people can reach out to avail any information about : -
• Oxygen Cylinders
• Tele-medications
• Food Delivery
• Vaccination Procedures and
• Mental Health Counselors
Let’s come forward and together help Odisha fight against COVID- 19.
Project sahayog
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unforeseen medical challenges affecting the lives of thousands of people around us. In the light of these circumstances, Legal Aid Society NLUO has started 'Project Prayas' a 24x7 covid helpline where people can reach out to avail information related to covid resources.
In pursuance of the same, we have started our own Blood Donation Repository called “Project Prayas- Sahyog” under its current ongoing initiative ‘Project Prayas’ to help covid patients as well as people in need of blood all over Odisha.
The society will act as a mediator between the patients requiring blood and the donors and work on arranging blood for patients. The implementation of this project is possible with the collective effort and help from all of you. So, a repository will be made by the society where all of you (preferably residents of Odisha) can provide us with your names, contact details and information on blood group type. With this database, we can locate the required blood group and contact the person for blood donation in Odisha. The blood donation will be on a voluntary basis.
We believe that this is an opportunity where we all can come forward and turn our prayers into actions by doing every little bit to help recover this world from the pandemic. Each and every blood donation goes to saving a life! We hope that you join us in this drive to save those who need us in this emergency.
​
collaboration with nyaaya
With the advent of the second wave, COVID 19 continues to impact the lives of the people in multiple ways. The Legal Aid Society, NLUO in pursuance of our objective to serve the society especially in these uncertain times has collaborated with NYAAYA (Vidhi Centre) on their newly launched initiative. Nyaaya has launched COVID Whatsapp helpline number to assist people by answering any legal question that they may have during the existing crises. Any person will be able to reach us either through Whatsapp message or voice note on Whatsapp helpline number or through social media handles and ask their doubts on legal processes, information and rights.
The purpose of this helpline is to empower people with the knowledge of their rights and enable them to take action. The services were primarily provided in English, Hindi, Kannada, Bangla and Gujarat. Now through this collaboration these services will be provided in Odia too.
We thank all the Lawyers and Students who have come forward and joined us in this initiative and a special thanks to our faculties- Dr Kuntirani Padhan, Ms. Nikita Pattajoshi, Ms Eluckiaa A. and Ms Dipanwita Mitra for joining us in our endeavour.
.png)
gender sensitisation
Conception of law can act as an effective tool for pursuing social and political change around sexual rights and gender equity. It provides aspirational norms that can be mobilized to hold institutions accountable and to provide material benefit to those excluded from systems of power. The fundamental questions, then, involve how, and when, formal law is useful for attaining gender equity in international and domestic law. And, when is it limited in utility?
​
The Legal Aid Society, NLUO conducted training sessions on Gender, Sexuality, and Law in collaboration with The Centre for Studies in Gender and Sexuality (CSGS), Ashoka University to offer divergent answers to these questions.
​
The training was divided in three main sessions
1. Framing Gender
2. Exploring Sexuality
3. Understanding the Law and Diversity
​
Our aim was to provide a safe, hospitable and inclusive environment for all sex, gender and orientation alike and an opportunity to grow by learning.
COViD19: sHARE FOR THOSE WHO TAKE CARE (nlu0)
With the outbreak of COVID-19, the whole world was battling with this pandemic and was suffering sick and scared. To prevent India from succumbing to COVID-19, a complete lockdown was announced. In this catastrophic situation, the most affected amongst the NLUO family were the Housekeeping Staff, Guards, Gardeners and Mess Workers.
Thus, to help those who always ensure that we live in a clean and hygienic environment at college, The Legal Aid Society, NLUO along with few enthusiastic students of the college took an initiative to extend our gratitude to 55 house-keeping staff, 45 guards, 32 gardeners, and 36 mess committee workers that were struggling to survive this lockdown and it was for these 168 individuals that the campaign to help the helping hands has been initiated. The collection of monetary donation is irrespective of their salary which they have already received from the university since the beneficiaries belong to the rural and unprivileged sector.
We are proud to inform that within three days of our campaign: help the helping hands, with the joint efforts of Staff, Alumni and Students, we had successfully raised INR 1,24,000+ and after 15 days the total amount successfully raised stands up to INR 2, 35,000+.
The amount raised was INR 2,55,297 and was equally distributed to the bank accounts of the 168 beneficiaries. We are glad that this initiative attained the goal for which it formed its genesis and could inspire people to help each other in the time of this grave crisis.
WEBINAR ON MIGRANT CRISIS
Migrant labourers were caught unaware when the lockdown was announced, and not knowing what to do and in absence of a safety net. Most of the migrant labourers were left feeling like "stateless" and in a state of disarray created by the suddenness of lockdown. They are national assets, and petty interstate parochialism should not come into picture at all. In our population of 130 crore Indians, these 130 million+ are one of the most affected in the current crisis. These are the people, who will play a key role in national reconstruction required after the pandemic, and attending to them at this hour is the key.
​
The Legal Aid Society, NLUO in collaboration with GNLU, Centre for Law and Society is conducted a webinar on Migrant Labour Crisis and issues in contemporary India on 8th May, 2020.
Ms. Aditi Ratho- Junior Research Fellow at ORF analysed and explained the recent trends in migration of labourers between states. She highlighted that non-dissemination of information was the major problem that aggravated the migrants’ sufferings as they were oblivious to the various aiding schemes proposed by the government. She emphasized the need for systematic co-ordination between different ministries to mitigate the losses and work towards protection of informal sector.
Prof. Sophy Joseph- National Law University, Delhi focused on the challenges of domestic migrant workers and narrated the anecdotes of workers she came across in Dwarka, Delhi as a testimony to the adversities faced by the marginalized communities. The perpetual and deep root injustices encountered by them due to non-possession of ration or identity cards is supplemented by the discrimination at the workplace. The workers gets entangle in vicious web of financial commitments and eventually succumb to employer’s demands.
Umi Daniel – Director – Migration and Education- AIDE ET Action remarked that “invisible migrants are now brcoming visible”. He presented statistical facts and iterated that as per ILO report, this pandemic will drive 400 million people in poverty and over 100 million people will remain hungry as per World Food Population. The pandemic brought back the practice of untouchability in disguise of social distancing for these low wages workers. It is essential to strategize a plan to extend the quarantine services to these workers.
The session was very informative for the students and an opportunity to learn and deliberate on the issues encountered by the migrants workers with or without pandemic.
.
VIRTUAL CONFERENCE ON RIGHT TO EDUCATION
The Legal Aid Society collaborated with Sarkarischool.in for celebrating a decade of the Right to Education that gave wings to the future of Children of our country. We collaborated to give power and passion to 10 substantial years of Right to Education by organizing a National Conference on "10 years of Right to education". Through this conference, our aim was to ignite a healthy discussion on the journey of the implementation of this crucial fundamental right in the span of 10 years and its expected prospects ahead. We attempted to reflect on the changes that came in our country post 10 years of RTE: our achievements as well as challenges that still need to be addressed.
The conference was graced by our Chief Guest- Ms. Aparajita Sarangi, Guest of Honour- Prof. (Dr.) Yogesh Pratap Singh and Guest of Honour- Dr. Aruna Srilakshmi.
The conference emphasized the importance of the right to education for an individual and for the nation as a whole, and the judicial journey that it undertook to become one of the integral fundamental rights under Article 21 – The Right to life.
The conference was then followed by five Panel Discussion presided by esteem panelists who have worked at a ground level and made an impact, strengthening the roots of this fundamental right. The first session discussed the New Education policy and its effects on Right to Education. The second session deliberated on the gender equality in the education sector and how education breaks the fetters of discrimination and stereotypes, giving our daughters wings to fly. This session was succeeded by third panel discussion analyzing the pedagogical methods and the trend that is observed wherein the students prefer mugging over learning. The fourth session examined the need for devising innovative methods for specially- abled and at last, in the fifth session the panelists deliberated regarding the future of right to education and how we all can contribute by empowering the children of the nation through education.
RTI SESSION
The Right to Information Act, 2005 is an important legislation for the functioning of any democracy as it sanctions its citizen the right to inspect the work of the government. It ensures that the people in power are answerable to the public and by no means can they use funds arbitrarily.
he Legal Aid Society of National Law University Odisha conducted a drafting session on Right to Information Act, 2005 on 30th September, 2019. The session was conducted by Shri Jagadnanda, Former Information Commissioner of Odisha. Shri Jagadnanda had campaigned for the Right to Information Act and has immensely contributed in its formulation.
​
He explained the students the formulation of RTI and his experience about the time when RTI ordinances were passed. The session was very informative for the students and an opportunity to learn and share information on the Right to Information Act, 2005, that every citizen of India should be aware of.
Project sahayog
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unforeseen medical challenges affecting the lives of thousands of people around us. In the light of these circumstances, Legal Aid Society NLUO has started 'Project Prayas' a 24x7 covid helpline where people can reach out to avail information related to covid resources.
In pursuance of the same, we have started our own Blood Donation Repository called “Project Prayas- Sahyog” under its current ongoing initiative ‘Project Prayas’ to help covid patients as well as people in need of blood all over Odisha.
The society will act as a mediator between the patients requiring blood and the donors and work on arranging blood for patients. The implementation of this project is possible with the collective effort and help from all of you. So, a repository will be made by the society where all of you (preferably residents of Odisha) can provide us with your names, contact details and information on blood group type. With this database, we can locate the required blood group and contact the person for blood donation in Odisha. The blood donation will be on a voluntary basis.
We believe that this is an opportunity where we all can come forward and turn our prayers into actions by doing every little bit to help recover this world from the pandemic. Each and every blood donation goes to saving a life! We hope that you join us in this drive to save those who need us in this emergency.
​
AYUDA
The Legal Aid Society introduced our own inter-university annual Legal Aid Fest ‘AYUDA’, where colleges from different districts of Odisha participate. The aim of the event is to expand its outreach and viability to all the people across the country. To implement the same effectively and efficiently the same, an idea of cooperative working is envisaged not only among the law universities but also among the universities from other streams by inviting them to contribute in legal aid through their skills and services. The objective of the fest is to introduce the participants to the idea of legal aid, have them contribute to our understanding and ultimately culminate in the greater collaboration among the students of NLUO and the participating colleges to help and support the cause of legal aid in the state of Odisha.
The conclave is not only aimed at providing a platform to colleges across Odisha to share their ideas and experiences in the field of legal aid and education but also to learn and understand the best practices that they can employ in furthering the cause of Legal Aid. It also encourages the colleges to establish their own Legal Aid Clinic/ Society, as to ensure that more and more people are associated with legal aid and increases the outreach to the maximum beneficiaries possible. It is only with the aid of dedicated volunteers we believe that the Constitutional dream of Legal Aid for the marginalized can be achieved.
National Law University Odisha had collaborated with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by implementing it in certain districts of Odisha. The project, “Access to Justice for Marginalised People and Socially Relevant Legal Education” was supported by Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. Under the project, the society had set up three legal aid clinics in Jankia, Dompara and Brahmagiri districts, to make legal aid easily accessible to people in these areas.
A permanent staff of UNDP co-ordinators and para-legal volunteers had been appointed to all the three clinics. The staffs render paralegal assistance to visitors. This assistance involved drafting of applications and related documents, referral services, follow-up of the cases with appropriate authorities, counselling and in that process they created a link between NLUO Legal Aid Society and the communities and related documents, referral services, follow-up of the cases with appropriate authorities, counselling and in that process they created a link between NLUO Legal Aid Society and the communities.
The student members of the society frequently conduct Legal Literacy Camps in these three districts. They discuss and deliberate on the issues that are directly relevant to the audience, relating to social challenges like domestic violence, importance of education, government schemes,social security measures introduced by the government and the importance of Lok Adalats in dispute resolution mechanism.