Tura, April 30, 2026: In a significant step towards strengthening legal support for the families of armed forces personnel, a Legal Services Clinic was inaugurated at the Zila Sainik Board in Tura under the Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana (VPSY) 2025.
The inaugural programme, held at the Conference Hall of the District & Sessions Court Complex, Tura, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries and stakeholders including Shri A.M. Ripnar, Chairperson, District & Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson, DLSA, Tura; Miss I.R. Marak, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Tura; Shri Jingjang Ch. Marak, ALADC, Tura; members of the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, West Garo Hills; and a large number of retired Sainik personnel, including retired men and women from different districts of Garo Hills.
Delivering the welcome address, Miss I.R. Marak underlined the importance of ensuring accessible legal aid for ex-servicemen and their families.
In his chairperson’s address, Shri A.M. Ripnar extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries present, including judicial officers of West Garo Hills, officials from the Zila Sainik Board, district administration, medical and health department, commandants of the BSF, CRPF, Civil Defence and MLP Battalion, representatives from the Bar Association, legal aid defence counsel, public prosecutor, and various welfare and protection officers.
He highlighted that the establishment of the Legal Services Clinic under the NALSA Veer Parivar Sahayata Yojana (VPSY) 2025 is a significant initiative aimed at strengthening support systems for defence personnel and their families. He elaborated that the scheme, introduced by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), seeks to establish Legal Services Clinics at Kendriya, Rajya and Zila Sainik Welfare Boards across the country.
Explaining the objectives of the scheme, Shri Ripnar stated that the clinic will provide free and competent legal services to serving and retired defence personnel, as well as their dependents, in matters such as property disputes, matrimonial issues, service-related concerns, welfare schemes, and other civil or legal matters. He further emphasized that the initiative also focuses on creating awareness about legal rights, government welfare schemes, and the functioning of legal services institutions.
He noted that the scheme incorporates technology-driven solutions, including e-counselling, e-mediation, and online grievance redressal mechanisms, to ensure faster and more efficient delivery of services. The initiative also aims to strengthen coordination among multiple stakeholders and foster collaboration between defence forces and legal services institutions, thereby creating an integrated legal support system.
Highlighting the scope, he stated that the scheme extends across India, covering urban, rural, border, and even high-altitude areas, ensuring uniform access to legal services wherever defence personnel and their families reside. Beneficiaries include eligible defence personnel and ex-servicemen under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, along with their widows, children, and dependents. Even those not strictly covered under the Act can avail legal advice and assistance through pro bono services.
A presentation on the scheme was also delivered by Shri Jingjang Ch. Marak, who further elaborated on its implementation and benefits.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by the Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, West Garo Hills, acknowledging the participation and support of all stakeholders involved.
Subsequently, the Zila Sainik Legal Services Clinic was formally inaugurated at the Zila Sainik Board Office, located within the Deputy Commissioner’s Office Building, Tura. The inauguration was carried out by Shri A.M. Ripnar, marking the operational launch of the facility.
The newly established clinic is expected to serve as a dedicated platform for addressing legal concerns of ex-servicemen and their families, ensuring timely access to justice and welfare services, and reinforcing institutional support for the “Veer Parivar” community in the region.
