Una, December 21- As per the instructions of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), a two-day training program organized to provide legal services to persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities concluded on Saturday in the seminar hall of DLSS. District Legal Services Authority Secretary Anita Sharma, retired District and Sessions Judge OP Sharma, Una Panel Advocates and PLVs participated in this training program.
During this, District Legal Services Authority Secretary Anita Sharma said that a person suffering from mental illness is entitled to receive free legal services to exercise any of his rights under MHCA. He said that a person suffering from this depression has the right to access treatment and care through government-run or funded mental health services.
Such a person also has the right to remain a part of the society and not be isolated from it. Apart from this, they also have the right to protection from cruelty, inhuman and degrading behavior.
Anita Sharma directed the legal aid lawyers and paralegals to spread public awareness to educate families and caregivers about the rights of persons with disabilities through this programme. They were also directed to handle cases related to persons with mental health challenges sensitively.
She asked to widely publicize the helpline number 15100 to ensure immediate access to legal advice and services and also directed to ensure justice, equality for vulnerable groups and promote mental health and rights of persons with disabilities.
Dr. Navdeep Joshi from Regional Hospital Una, Advocate District Court Una Suresh Airy, District Welfare Officer Una Anita Sharma and DCPO Una Kamaldeep Singh were also present on the occasion.