NALSA (Legal Services to Disaster Victims through Legal Services Authorities) Scheme, 2010

About the Scheme

This is a state-level implementation of a national scheme initiated by NALSA in 2010. The SSLSA coordinates with government departments to provide legal aid and rehabilitation support to victims of disasters—both natural and man-made.

1. Beneficiary

• Victims of disasters, including:
  • Individuals affected by natural calamities (e.g., floods, earthquakes)
  • Victims of man-made disasters
  • Orphaned children, women, elderly, disabled persons, and others in need of care and protection

2. Benefits

The SSLSA provides a wide range of support services, including:

• Immediate coordination with government and NGOs for relief
• Supervision of:
  • Relief material distribution
  • Temporary shelter and relocation
  • Family reunification
  • Health care, sanitation, and epidemic prevention
  • Needs of women and children
  • Food, medicine, and water availability
  • Reconstruction of homes and restoration of livestock
• Legal awareness programs in relief camps
• Legal Aid Clinics to help reconstruct lost documents
• Assistance in:
  • Accessing government relief promises
  • Education and care of orphaned children
  • Debt relief and insurance claims
  • Rehabilitation of elderly and disabled victims
  • Securing bank loans to restart livelihoods
  • Psychological counseling for trauma recovery

3. How to Apply for the Scheme

Victims or their families can contact the following offices for assistance:

• SSLSA Office, Gangtok: 03592-205377
• DLSA East (Sichey): 03592-284462
• DLSA North (Mangan): 03592-234694
• DLSA South (Namchi): 03595-264654
• DLSA West (Gyalshing): 03595-250010
• NALSA Helpline: 15100

No formal application form is required victims can reach out directly for support.

Beneficiary:

The scheme is intended for individuals who have been affected by disasters—natural or man-made—including floods, earthquakes, landslides, industrial accidents, and similar calamities. The primary beneficiaries include orphaned children, women, elderly persons, individuals with disabilities, and others requiring care and protection due to the aftermath of a disaster.

Benefits:

Under this scheme, the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority coordinates with government departments and relief agencies to ensure disaster victims receive comprehensive support. This includes overseeing the distribution of relief materials, arrangements for temporary shelter and relocation, health care and sanitation measures, and restoration of livestock and homes. Additional support includes legal awareness campaigns in relief camps, help with reconstructing lost documents, access to education for orphaned children, rehabilitation for elderly and disabled victims, assistance with debt relief, insurance claims, and psychological counseling.