TURA, July 2: Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court Justice Sanjib Banerjee on Saturday maintained that basic healthcare, among other fundamental rights, must be available to one and all.
The Chief Justice contended this in his address as a chief guest at a one-day health camp-cum-legal awareness programme at Sampalgre village under Gambegre C&RD Block.
According to a statement, the programme was organised by District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Garo Hills, under the aegis of Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, Shillong, and in collaboration with various governmental departments.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice said that despite the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution of India and despite 75 years of Independence, people continue to remain oblivious to their basic rights.
He also informed the gathering that right to water, right to access to roads, right to free education up to the age of 14 years are the most basic rights, and they, together with basic healthcare, must be made available to all.
“The people must fight for their rights and they must assert themselves so that these rights can be enjoyed by them, and they can help themselves by not making any distinction between person and person,” Justice Banerjee said.
He also maintained that respecting women will pave the way for a harmonious society.
Justice HS Thangkhiew of High Court, on the other hand, touched upon the aims and objectives of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, poverty alleviation and paralegal volunteers.
He also informed the gathering there are free legal services available for people belonging to the weaker sections of the society.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Swapnil Tembe, during the programme, stressed on the need to enroll for Aadhaar and EPIC, and have bank accounts to avail various schemes of the government.
As part of the programme, discussions were also held on healthcare and agricultural schemes of the central government, whilst a health camp was also organised for the locals.
Others who attended the programme include people from adjoining areas, Nokmas of different A.king lands, officials from various government departments, et al.
