Special Legal Awareness Camp for Tribal Communities Held at Topslip

Coimbatore: A special legal awareness camp held at Topslip in Coimbatore district on October 25 helped tribal communities access legal rights and welfare benefits, with 54 beneficiaries receiving key identity and welfare documents secured through the Pollachi Taluk Legal Services Committee.

The event was organised under the National Legal Services Authority's (NALSA) SAMVAD scheme and held under the guidance of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority. It also featured the inauguration of a new legal aid centre and the distribution of welfare benefits to tribal families.

Justice P. Velmurugan of the Madras High Court, who is also the administrative judge for Coimbatore district, presided over the event. Earlier, he inaugurated a new legal aid centre at Kozhikamuthi in Topslip.

Manikandan, Chairperson of the Pollachi Taluk Legal Services Committee and Sub-Judge, welcomed the participants. Pollachi Sub-Collector R. Ramakrishnasamy outlined the district administration's efforts to provide land pattas and houses to tribal families. Anamalai Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Devendrakumar Meena highlighted livelihood initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities for tribal communities, while District Welfare Officer Palsamy outlined the healthcare schemes available to them.

Principal District Judge J. Sridevi highlighted the legal protections and entitlements available to tribal communities. In his address, Justice Velmurugan explained the provisions of the Forest Rights Act and the legal assistance accessible through legal services authorities under the SAMVAD scheme.

As part of the programme, 54 beneficiaries received caste, birth and residence certificates, ration cards and Aadhaar identity cards secured through applications filed by the Pollachi Taluk Legal Services Committee.

Justice Velmurugan also visited a medical camp organised for tribal residents. The event was attended by district judges, revenue officials, forest department personnel, court staff, residents of Kozhikamuthi and Topslip, and legal services volunteers. District Legal Services Authority Secretary and Sub-Judge R. D. Guru Lakshmi delivered the vote of thanks, according to a press release issued by the Coimbatore District Legal Services Authority.