Niyamodayam

“Legal literacy for all”

Legal Literacy and awareness drive for various sections of society

In order to ensure legal awareness among the public, the institution has established a dedicated wing known as “Niyamodayam” specially focusing on Legal Literacy initiatives. This initiative focussed in conducting legal awareness sessions regularly for different sections of society such as students, Self-help group members, parishes, panchayats, Residents associations, Old age homes, Jail etc. The aim is to empower individuals to be informed and vocal participants in the legal system, ensuring that their rights are not only recognized but also upheld in their day-to-day interactions and within the broader society.

The Legal Aid Clinic of College has been entrusted with the responsibility of steering the activities under ‘Niyamodayam’. The classes are facilitated by students who have undergone training provided by the panel of teachers. Through this initiative, law students are afforded the valuable opportunity to enhance and expand their knowledge within their field of study.

Objectives

• Aims to educate individuals on the various legal rights they are entitled to as well as the corresponding responsibilities they must uphold within society.
• Enhance understanding of the constitutional values among the general public, fostering greater awareness of rights and responsibilities.
• Through various community initiatives, the program seeks to enhance access to justice and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry.
• Additionally, the program strives to address systemic barriers in access to justice and provide opportunities for individuals to advocate for their rights.
• By promoting legal literacy, this initiative ultimately aims to create a more equitable and just society for all.

PRACTICE

Sharing of legal knowledge with others, keeping in mind our social responsibility to help educate and empower those who may not have access to such information. It is important to use our expertise in a way that benefits the greater community, ensuring that everyone has a basic understanding on law.

Legal literacy drive conducted in 30 Schools.(Niyamodayam 2020)

On February 13^th of 2020 Bharata Mata School Of Legal Studies launched a socio legal awareness initiative. As part of legal awareness and outreach activities of BSOLS, about 400+ students conducted classes on Traffic Rules, Sexual abuse against children and various aspects of the constitution of India covering around 30 schools in and around Ernakulam.

Legal Literacy/Awareness classes for Women Self-help Group.

In 2022-23 academic year the focus of legal literacy initiative is on Self-help Group (Kudumasree Units). BSOLS conducted numerous legal awareness programes under the title ‘Chuvadu’ in Ernakulam District.

Legal Awareness programmes in Parishes and Panchayaths.

In 2022-23 academic year we also conducted awareness classes in various panchayaths with the help of panchayath authorities.

Legal Awareness programs in children’s home, old age homes, Jails etc.

Legal awareness classes are conducted for individuals who belong to marginalized communities, providing them with valuable information and knowledge particularly about their rights and the legal system. Students delivered classes on child rights, Protection of Children from Sexual offence Act, Human Rights, Right to fair trial, old age protection etc. These classes aim to empower and educate individuals who may not have access to legal advice, enabling them to face various legal situations. By participating in these classes, individuals from marginalized communities can gain a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities, ultimately helping them navigate the complexities of the legal system more effectively.

Legal literacy drive conducted in 100 Schools.

In 2023-24 academic year the college initiated second phase of ‘Niyamodayam’ legal literacy drive for 100 Schools from Ernakulam, Trissur, Kottayam, Alappuzha Districts. This program was conducted on 15/01/2024 in all schools.

Kerala State Law Minister Inaugurated the program and former supreme Court Judge , Justice K.M Joseph delivered keynote address. 1000 + students participated as resource person as well as volunteers. The program achieved the prestigious recognition of being entered in the India Book of Records, solidifying its reputation as an outstanding accomplishment.

Initiated legal literacy drive for 1000 Schools.

BSOLS initiated the 3rd phase of the legal literacy drive, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of legal rights and responsibilities among the school students. This comprehensive legal literacy drive will be conducting across the state, which involved the participation of a total of 1000 schools. The aim of this initiative was to enhance awareness and understanding of the law among students and educators.

Outcome

1. Engaging in experiential learning through legal literacy serves as a driving force for students to acquire a deeper understanding in the subject, enabling them to navigate complex legal issues with ease and confidence.
2. Inculcating the values of social responsibility in students through this initiative benefits not only the students but also society as a whole.
3. This initiative serves to emphasize and align with the Vision and Mission of our college, in addition to embodying the motto ‘for God and country’.

Policy

1) The legal aid services provided by Niyamodayam shall be easily accessible to all. This shall be achieved by establishing multiple channels for accessing legal aid, including phone, email, in-person consultations, and online chat services without any discrimination.
2) The legal aid services provided by Niyamodayam shall be affordable for all. The institution shall establish a sliding fee scale for its services, with fees determined based on the income of the client. The institution shall also provide free legal aid services to clients who cannot afford to pay.
3) The legal aid services provided by Niyamodayam shall be of high quality. The institution shall recruit experienced and qualified lawyers to provide legal aid services.
4) Establish partnerships with other organizations (e.g., NGOs) to ensure that our services are available to the most vulnerable members of society.
5) Niyamodayam shall continuously monitor and evaluate the quality of the legal aid services provided and shall take appropriate measures to improve the quality of services based on feedback received from clients and lawyers providing legal aid services.