NALSA (Ensuring Access to Justice for Widows Living in Shelter Homes) Scheme, 2017

The NALSA (Ensuring Access to Justice for Widows Living in Shelter Homes) Scheme, 2017 was developed in response to the Supreme Court’s observations on the plight of widows, particularly those residing in shelter homes in Vrindavan and other parts of India. Many of these women face social exclusion, lack legal identity documents, and are unaware of their rights and entitlements. This scheme aims to bridge that gap by providing legal aid, facilitating access to welfare schemes, and ensuring that widows are not denied their rightful inheritance, property, or dignity. It also promotes social reintegration, including support for remarriage and mental health care.

Beneficiary:

The primary beneficiaries are widowed women residing in shelter homes, whether run by the government or NGOs. The scheme also indirectly supports legal aid providers, para-legal volunteers, and social workers by equipping them with training and tools to assist these women effectively.

Benefits:

The scheme provides free legal services to widows, including help with obtaining identity documents (like Aadhaar and voter cards), accessing welfare schemes, and asserting property or inheritance rights. Dedicated teams of para-legal volunteers and panel lawyers visit shelter homes fortnightly to assess needs, spread awareness, and initiate legal action where necessary. The scheme also supports mental health referrals, facilitates remarriage for willing widows, and ensures that those abandoned or denied property are assisted through appropriate legal proceedings. Regular reports are submitted to NALSA to monitor progress and ensure accountability.