Nyaaya's Samvidhaan Fellowship Launches in Bihar for Better Legal Access
Patna, Bihar — Nyaaya's Groundbreaking Legal Initiative, Nyaaya, a project by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, launched the ‘Samvidhaan Fellowship’ at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna, Bihar. The event was graced by Justice (Retd.) Aftab Alam and marked a significant step in advancing grassroots legal empowerment in the state. The fellowship aims to bridge the gap in accessing justice and provide reliable legal support to underserved communities.
Event Highlights and Objectives
The launch event began with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Faizan Mustafa, Vice Chancellor of CNLU, who set the stage for the day’s proceedings. The five 'Samvidhaan Fellows' were introduced and formally inducted into the Nyaaya team by Justice (Retd.) Alam. These district-level lawyers will work with key partners like the Bihar State Legal Services Authority, Doordarshan Patna, and local civil society organizations to enhance legal awareness and support.
Key Speakers and Contributions
Arghya Sengupta, founder of the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, highlighted the barriers to justice in Bihar and the role of the Samvidhaan Fellows in addressing these challenges. The fellows will be mentored by a distinguished Advisory Group, including Justice (Retd.) Alam, Prof. Dr. Faizan Mustafa, and other prominent figures in legal and public policy. The event also featured a roundtable discussion where the fellows shared their goals and visions for the fellowship.
Community and Partner Involvement
The Samvidhaan Fellowship was well-supported by Nyaaya’s partner organizations in Bihar, such as Jeevika, Gram Vaani, Khabar Lahariya, Law Foundation, Nirantar, and Bihar Development Collective. Their collective commitment aims to make the fellowship a pivotal tool for enforcing constitutional rights and improving legal access.
Statements from Key Figures
Justice (Retd.) Aftab Alam emphasized the importance of the fellowship in bridging the gap between courts and the general public in Bihar. Arghya Sengupta expressed his enthusiasm for launching the fellowship in Bihar, noting the need for better legal aid infrastructure in the state.
Future Goals and Impact
The Samvidhaan Fellowship, which was also launched in Karnataka in 2022, aims to provide on-ground legal support to communities in need. The initiative seeks to ensure that every Indian is aware of their rights and can access justice effectively. Anisha Gopi, Nyaaya Team Lead, reaffirmed Nyaaya’s commitment to closing the last-mile gap in justice access through this fellowship.
About Nyaaya and the Samvidhaan Fellowship
Nyaaya is dedicated to offering clear, actionable legal information and support. The Samvidhaan Fellowship is a significant part of this mission, working towards creating a robust public-private legal aid network in India.