Praja Seva gets legal aid centre to help people resolve court cases: Karnataka Chief Minister

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated a dedicated legal aid centre under the Praja Seva campaign on Saturday to provide free legal assistance to people. The initiative aims to bring government machinery closer to the people and resolve their grievances. Shivakumar said a separate legal aid centre was established during the campaign to offer free assistance to those facing legal issues.

So far, 620 programs have been held, with more than one lakh applications received, mostly related to Revenue, Rural Development, and Urban Development departments. Legal aid representatives will join government officials during the programs to guide people on legal matters. Shivakumar assured to personally review the disposal of applications received through the campaign and ensure prompt solutions for pending cases.

Adjusting pension eligibility from ₹32,000 to ₹1.20 lakh has benefited 12 lakh pensioners, according to the Chief Minister. The government also plans to provide sites to five lakh poor people in the first phase, and Deputy Commissioners have been directed to identify government land for this purpose. Drought-affected 217 taluks in the state, and the government is taking steps to support farmers through the Agriculture Minister's Negilayogi scheme.

Youth participation is being promoted through Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas, with an annual assistance of ₹10 lakh for each association. The revision of electoral rolls was criticized by Shivakumar, who alleged that BJP leaders sought to delete the names of poor people from the voters' list without proper documentation. He warned that attempts to win elections through deception and conspiracies were an insult to the country and the Prime Minister and emphasized the importance of a rightful vote.

Shivakumar also directed people not to encroach on forest land and insisted on surrendering unlicensed firearms before November 1 through a legally valid process. Guidance for the disposal of legally valid applications, including Bagair Hukum claims, was promised, and instructions would be issued to prevent unnecessary eviction. The government plans to develop cremation grounds under the Mukti Dham scheme.