Families of inmates to get legal, welfare, psychological aid

Gurgaon: Families of jail inmates struggling financially, facing psychological distress or difficulties in accessing govt welfare schemes can now seek assistance from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The initiative aims to strengthen support systems for families and facilitate a smoother reintegration of prisoners into society after their release.Under the programme, families of inmates nearing completion of their sentences as well as undertrials who have spent more than a year in jail will be eligible for support. The DLSA will provide legal, educational, social, psychological and welfare assistance to dependents of prisoners.Nisha, chief judicial magistrate-cum-secretary, DLSA Gurgaon, said an initiative was launched for the effective implementation of the SPRUHA Scheme, 2025 (Supporting Potential and Resilience of the Unseen, Held-back and Affected).“The jail administration has been requested to facilitate interaction between inmates and DLSA officials, panel advocates and para-legal volunteers so that eligible beneficiaries can be identified and linked with various welfare measures. Special focus will be given to children, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable dependents of inmates,” Nisha said.Narender Sura, district and sessions judge-cum-chairman, DLSA Gurgaon, said access to justice is not confined to courtrooms, and families of inmates should not be deprived of their legal rights and welfare entitlements because of circumstances beyond their control.