On 29-01-2026, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, in response to a question in Rajya Sabha, stated that the Government continues to strengthen legal aid delivery systems across the country.
The Law Minister informed the following key points:
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The National Legal Services Authority (‘NALSA’), established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, has undertaken several initiatives to enhance legal access for marginalised communities, particularly in tribal regions.
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NALSA aims to ensure that no citizen is denied access to justice due to financial hardship or social vulnerability.
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A wide network of legal services institutions, from Taluk-level centres to the Supreme Court, has been developed to extend legal aid even to remote and tribal areas, including those in Odisha.
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NALSA has notified the Legal Services Clinics Regulations, 2011, which mandate the creation of district-level legal clinics in every village or group of villages based on population and geographical needs.
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These centres, known as Village Legal Care and Support Centres, serve as first-level legal aid points for rural and tribal communities.
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In Odisha, 132 such centres have been set up by District Legal Services Authorities (‘DLSAs’) and Taluk Legal Services Committees (‘TLSCs’) to support disadvantaged communities, including Scheduled Tribes, by aiding in resolving legal issues and creating legal awareness.
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The PIB press release dated 29-01-2026 also highlighted the two-year data, noting the following:
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The Village Legal Care and Support Centres in Odisha received 8,029 visitors in 2024.
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Out of these, 4,593 individuals were provided legal assistance.
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In 2025, the centres recorded 7,638 visitors.
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Among them, 5,644 individuals received legal help.
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This reflects a rise in the number of people assisted even though overall footfall decreased slightly from 2024 to 2025.
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To strengthen Alternate Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) mechanisms in 2025, the following steps were undertaken:
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4 National Lok Adalats (‘NLAs’) were held across Odisha, covering Taluk courts up to the High Court.
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A District Level Lok Adalat was held on 27-7-2025 focusing on Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
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22 Permanent Lok Adalats continue to function for disputes related to Public Utility Services.
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These indicate the ongoing effort to aid various people especially those from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and provide justice.