NALSA (Legal Services for Differently Abled Children) Scheme, 2021

The NALSA (Legal Services for Differently Abled Children) Scheme, 2021 was launched to address the systemic barriers faced by children with disabilities in accessing justice, education, healthcare, and social inclusion. Despite constitutional guarantees and progressive legislation like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, many differently abled children—especially from rural or economically weaker backgrounds—remain excluded from essential services. This scheme aims to bridge that gap by offering free legal aid, awareness programs, and rehabilitative support tailored to the unique needs of children with physical, mental, sensory, or intellectual disabilities. It also seeks to combat stigma and promote early identification and intervention through community engagement and institutional coordination.

Beneficiary:

The primary beneficiaries are children with disabilities, including those with physical, intellectual, sensory, or mental impairments. The scheme especially targets children from economically disadvantaged families who lack access to legal or rehabilitative services. It also engages teachers, doctors, caregivers, and child welfare officials by providing them with training and resources to better support these children.

Benefits:

The scheme ensures free legal aid and representation for differently abled children in matters related to education, healthcare, guardianship, and protection from abuse or neglect. It promotes legal literacy through awareness campaigns and school-based programs, and facilitates rehabilitation services such as inclusive education, vocational training, and access to healthcare. Legal Aid Clinics are established in schools and child care institutions, and para-legal volunteers are trained to identify and assist eligible children. The scheme also emphasizes early intervention, anti-stigma outreach, and coordination with disability rights organizations.