KOZHIKODE: Scripting a chapter, students of Calicut University Institute of Tribal Studies and Research, Chethalayam in Wayanad, have enrolled as paralegal volunteers. All 40 students are from different tribes in Wayanad. This is a first time in the country that an entire institution has become a part of the paralegal volunteer scheme.
The National Legal Services Authority project aims at imparting legal training to volunteers selected from different walks of life to ensure that legal aid reached all sections of people. Students will be trained and have a permanent legal aid clinic on their campus. Wayanad district and sessions judge Dr V Vijayakumar told DC that the enrolment of tribal students would go a long way in removing barriers to justice delivery for weaker section of society.
“Usually only selected students from an institute get the opportunity to become volunteers, that too after undergoing interviews. This is a first in the country that the entire students become paralegal volunteers,” he added.
Calicut University Vice Chancellor K Mohammed Basheer said the enrolment of ITSR students would help create a scientific and professionally managed tribal grievance redress mechanism.
“Each volunteer will be assigned a particular number of houses. He/she will visit houses, note grievances and link them to the legal machinery. Students will pick up leadership qualities and become socially committed, facilitating ocial change,” he added. High Court Acting Chief Justice Thottathil B. Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the paralegal training for the ITSR students at KVASU Auditorium, Kabani, on Tuesday.
