NALSA (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme, 2015

The NALSA (Protection and Enforcement of Tribal Rights) Scheme, 2015 was formulated to address the persistent marginalization and legal invisibility of tribal communities in India. Despite constitutional protections and targeted legislation, Scheduled Tribes (STs) continue to face systemic barriers in accessing justice, land rights, education, and welfare schemes. This scheme aims to bridge that gap by ensuring that tribal populations—especially those in remote, forested, or conflict-affected areas—receive free legal aid, awareness of their rights, and support in asserting their entitlements under laws like the Forest Rights Act, PESA, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act. It also focuses on empowering Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), who face even deeper levels of exclusion.

Beneficiary:

The scheme primarily benefits Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), including forest dwellers, displaced communities, and tribal individuals in conflict zones or custody. It also supports tribal women and children, who are often doubly marginalized. Legal aid providers, para-legal volunteers (PLVs), and community-based organizations are also engaged as facilitators and outreach agents.

Benefits:

Key benefits include: Free legal aid and representation in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Legal literacy and awareness campaigns in tribal languages and culturally sensitive formats. Establishment of Legal Aid Clinics in tribal belts, including mobile units for remote areas. Assistance in accessing entitlements under laws like the Forest Rights Act, PESA, and welfare schemes. Protection from exploitation, including land alienation, trafficking, and wrongful detention. Training of PLVs and panel lawyers from tribal communities to ensure culturally competent legal support. Monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track violations and ensure accountability.