Shillong, March 12: Over 120 projects worth Rs 480 crore sanctioned under centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) are being implemented for the infrastructure development of judiciary in Meghalaya.
This was informed by the Minister in-charge Law Ampareen Lyngdoh while replying to a cut motion on the style and functioning of the law department moved by VPP legislator from Nongkrem Ardent M Basaiawmoit in the Assembly on Wednesday.
“Under the CSS, the major project at present being executed is construction of District Courts and Sub-Divisional Courts along with residential quarters,” Lyngdoh said adding “Till date 120 CSS projects are being implemented for the infrastructure development of judiciary at the total cost of Rs 480.41 crore, out of which CSS release amounts to Rs 177.86 crore and 10 percent state share being Rs 19.76 crore which has been utilized. An additional amount of 105.94 CSS and 11.77 is required for executing all the aforesaid infrastructural projects of the judiciary.”
In the current year, Lyngdoh said the state government has been able to utilize Rs 37,76,66,665 inclusive of 90 percent CSS share out of mandatory Rs 16 crore earmarked for release for the state indicating the state’s prioritizing the development of judicial infrastructure.
Stating that special courts have been mandated by the POCSO Act with CSS funding, the minister informed that five POCSO special courts have been established in Shillong (2 POCSO Courts) and one each in Nongpoh, Jowai, Nongstoin.
Under the CSS for the fast track courts, she said that the state has sanctioned a total of Rs 6,11,55,223 from 2020-2024 being Rs 5,42,89,750 under central share and Rs 68,65,473 under the state scheme. The total expenditure till date is Rs 3,42,03, 221.
Further, the minister said that the other major projects under the state scheme undertaken were the construction of High Court of Meghalaya and ADR and Mediation Centers at Shillong and Tura adding that new project to be undertaken under the state scheme is the construction of permanent campus of NLI, Meghalaya and ADR and Mediation Center in remaining districts.
For effectively defending the interest of the government, Lyngdoh said her department undertakes an exercise periodically to prepare panel of advocates in respect in High Cout, District Courts. Those applicants who fulfil the requirements as laid down under the CrPC and BNSS are considered for empanelling.
She also informed that the Meghalaya Legal Services Authority is functioning under the Legal Services Act, 1987 as amended.
Its primary job is to render legal aid, legal assistance to the weaker sections, downtrodden, SC/STs, women etc, who are unable to afford the cost of engaging legal counsels.
For speedy redressal of the disputes relating to a variety of issues including the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Family Disputes. This authority organizes lok adalats for resolution of such disputes expeditiously, she said.
The Authority also conducts Mega camps throughout the state to decimate information on various central and state schemes being implemented by the government and educate and assist the masses on availing the benefits of all such schemes.
The Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court is patron in chief of the Authority and monitors the functioning of the Authority, she added.
