Asha and Anganwadi workers to be trained as para legal volunteers | Delhi News

New Delhi: Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) is set to roll out a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening access to justice at the grassroots, including the launch of ‘Community Legal Empowerment through Health and Childcare Platforms’ on March 23. The programme seeks to integrate legal awareness into existing health and childcare systems by leveraging the extensive reach of ASHA and Anganwadi workers under the National Health Mission and the Integrated Child Development Services. As part of the initiative, selected ASHA and Anganwadi workers will be trained as para legal volunteers. They will function as a bridge between legal services institutions and local communities, disseminating legal information, identifying vulnerable individuals and helping people access legal aid. DSLSA will also release a new resource, ‘Handbook–cum–Field Diary for Para Legal Volunteers – 2026’, designed as a practical guide to promote legal awareness and support community-level access to justice. The handbook outlines the legal services framework under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, explains the structure of the system at national, state and district levels. Another key initiative is the setting up of hospital facilitation centres in govt hospitals across Delhi to provide legal assistance alongside free medical care. These centres will prioritise support for victims of offences against women and children, ensuring they receive timely, sensitive and dignified assistance.