New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, emphasized the importance of pro bono efforts by lawyers and the effective utilization of Tele-Law to enhance public access to justice, particularly in rural communities.

During his address at the Regional Event-cum-Workshop 2026 held at Kurukshetra University, he highlighted these initiatives as part of the Tele-Law program, which is a component of the Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) scheme, overseen by the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice.

The workshop also featured insights from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on enhancing access to justice and the significance of digital tools in governance.

This Regional Event-cum-Workshop, linked to the Tele-Law initiative, aligns with the Government of India’s wider strategy to improve access to justice through awareness initiatives, capacity building, and technology-driven service delivery.

A notable moment at the event was the tribute to 150 years of the national anthem ‘Vande Mataram’, performed by local artists, celebrating its historic and cultural importance in India’s struggle for independence.

The event commenced with a welcoming speech by the Secretary of the Department of Justice, setting the stage for discussions on the progress of the DISHA Scheme in Haryana, featuring live interactions with Tele-Law panel lawyers, Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), and beneficiaries, showcasing the transformative impact of technology in legal services at the grassroots level.

Additionally, the program included a segment dedicated to pro bono projects undertaken by law colleges in Haryana, where faculty and students shared their experiences in community legal services.

As part of the proceedings, five e-books on the customary laws of India’s North Eastern region were launched, aimed at preserving and sharing indigenous legal knowledge.

A Doordarshan documentary detailing the DISHA Scheme was also premiered, emphasizing its vision, implementation, and nationwide effects.

The event concluded with the presentation of mementoes and a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Secretary (Access to Justice), followed by the National Anthem.

Approximately 900 participants attended the event in person, including officials from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, members of the State Legal Services Authority, advocates from local bar associations, government lawyers, VLEs from Common Service Centres (CSCs), and Tele-Law panel lawyers.

Attendees also included faculty and law students from various institutions such as Kurukshetra University, Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, SGT University, G.D. Goenka University, Geeta Institute of Law, and The NorthCap University, alongside directors, registrars, and senior officials from central and state administrations.

Additionally, numerous citizens and stakeholders from the Department of Justice participated virtually.