LPG – Rights & Responsibilities of Consumers @ Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell

Anjuna Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M Salgoacar College of Law organized a legal literacy program on “LPG – Rights & Responsibilities of Consumers” in Paloti House, Assagao on 31^st of January 2016. Renowned consumer rights activists and coordinator of a reputed NGO, GOACAN  Mr. Roland Martins was the resource person.He is also a member of Goa State Consumer Protection Council and  the Consumer Conciliation Committee of the Department Of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Goa. Prof. Aamod Shirali, the faculty in charge of the Cell, and Father Ozwald of Patoli House also attended the program.

Ms. Jennifer, student member welcomed the guests and explained about the functioning of the legal aid cells and the services students take up to ensure access to justice to all. Ms. Manjita Palyekar introduced the guests.

More than 100 people, mostly housewives had assembled for the programme and Mr. Martins explained to them the essence of Consumer Protection Act and the Rights of the Consumers. He said that there is lack of awareness in the society regarding the Act. Right to safety is the first right given under consumer protection Act, goods and services provided to us should be safe for consumption & encouraged the legal aid cell to demand safety. He spoke on the consumers’ right to information. The seller must provide all the required information about the product such as manufacturing date,expiry date,address,the price etc.

The session was quite engaging and Mr. Martins explained the mode of trace IMAI number of mobile,by using key *#06#. On the right to choice, he said that the consumer has the right to choose the goods and services of his or her liking, and that the producer or seller should not force the customer to buy a particular brand only. Other rights were right to be heard, right to seek redressal and right to consumer education. If the consumer has been exploited or has any complaints against the product or service than he has the right to be heard & be assured that his/her interest will receive due consideration. Pamphlets containing concise information on the topic were distributed.

The audience feedback shows that the program was very useful and informative. Mr.Sanyog Talkatkar proposed  vote of thanks.

Brittona Free Legal Aid Cell takes up Legal Literacy on Senior Citizens Schemes and Women’s Rights

An extensive campaign preceded the literacy program which was held held at Dhadeshwar Devasthan Temple Hall. on 30^th January 2016.  A group of five students covered 337 houses and informed about the program and extended invitation for the same. 

Mr. Shelendra Shet, Field Assistant, B.D.O explained the various government schemes for senior citizens. Thereafter Adv. Shivani Pednekar spoke on the Rights of Women under various legislations.

The panch of Brittona Village, Mr. Gajanan Halankar. and Ms. Shruti Mahambrey, Faculty representative from V.M.Salgaocar College of Law were also present. 

Ms. Sanjuncta welcomed the guests with flowers and Ms. Pritee Shirodkar introduced the guests. Student in charge, Ms. Suprit Dessai spoke about the services rendered by Brittona Free Legal Aid Cell and Ms. Bhagyasree Bawane proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Nivon Serrao was the comperer. 

Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell Holds Awareness Program On Land Laws Of Goa

This time the members of the Valpoi Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law took its legal literacy program to the interior village of Guleli, and made the purpose of access to justice a reality. The rural areas of Guleli and nearby villages are located around 20 km from Valpoi. The student members very enthusiastically undertook an intensive campaign, well in advance to ensure that the villagers are aware about the programme.

Moreover the visit was planned with the objective of identifying the situation and legal problems of the people residing there as well as to create awareness about basic law and rights amongst them.

Students say : “After visiting these places, we found that the people residing there were extremely poor and were most probably dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. The infrastructure present there was null but we found one primary health centre which was consisting of only one small room and that too was closed when we visited during the fore noon time.Some parts of the village didn’t have roads and at one place we found a small bridge on which only one 4 wheeler vehicle could go. So we crossed that bridge and found only 5 houses there. The trip ended with lots of learning and memories to cherish.”

The effectiveness of the campaign was evident in the participation of the villagers in good number for the program on 30th January 2016. They were very enthusiastic and were infact  present at the venue much before the scheduled time. Village Panchayat of Guleli provided all basic infrastructure needed for the programme.

The speakers were  Adv. Yeshwant Gauns and Dr. Naguesh Colvalkar, the faculty in charge of the Cell. Mr.Pranav Vaze welcomed the guests and Ms. Safira Sheikh invited the dignitaries to the stage.  The event started with “Deepprajwalan” was followed by welcome wishes through flowers. Mr. Pranav Vaze introduced the audience to the legal aid cell and spoke about the activities of Legal Aid Society of V.M Salgaocar College of Law.  Mr. Hazare who is a ZP member welcomed the legal aid cell to their village and thanked the students for providing such useful information to the people.

Adv. Gauns spoke on Land Revenue Code and Dr. Colvalkar spoke on Mundkar and Agricultural Tenancy Act. Many queries were raised by the audience and the resource persons effectively clarified and answered them. The programme was greatly appreciated by the villagers. Ms Akshata Gauns proposed the vote of thanks.

Succor Free Legal Aid Cell Conducts Legal Literacy on Road Safety

Succor Free Legal Aid Cell organized a Legal Literacy Program on Road Safety.
Mr. Minesh Tar, Motor Vehicles Inspector from Mapusa R.T.O Office was the Resource Person. 

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Sexual Harassment at Workplace and Domestic Violence - Prevention through Awareness @ Merces

Merces Free Legal Aid Cell of V.M.Salgaocar College of Law organised an awareness program on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Work Place and Domestic Violence on 24th January 2016 at Merces Panchayat Hall, Merces-Goa.

Adv. Mrs. Harsha Naik was the guest speaker and Dr. Nagesh Colvalkar, the faculty in charge of the Cell attended the program. Adv.Naik spoke about problems faced by women at workplace and also in the domestic sphere.She explained the significance of enforcement of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 2005. She also spoke about the importance of educating girl child. 

The session was interactive in nature and the women participants had keen interest and many questions were raised.The guest speaker ended the session by commending the work of the cell and encouraging the audience to approach the free legal aid cell in case of any legal problem whatsoever.

Ms.Maria proposed the vote of thanks.

Saving and Investment in Securities - Dona Paula Free Legal Aid Cell organises a legal literacy program

The members of the DonaPaula Free Legal Aid Cell in collaboration with The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) organized a legal literacy programme, a talk on “Saving and Investing in Securities,” on the 23rd of January, 2016. The talk was delivered by the Spokesperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, one Mr. Rajendra Dalvi and conducted in the cell premises itself, that being the Souto Maior Community Hall of Our Lady Of Rosary Church, Taleigao-Goa; and a number of approximately 35 persons participated in the same.

After brief introductions, Mr. Rajendra Dalvi began the session with a brief introduction of the capital market of India; and about SEBI: its powers and functions. He then went on to speak about how one must invest in the securities market and be vigilant while doing so. Further, he enlightened the gathering on the different grievance redressal mechanisms and procedures one can avail in case of fraud, cheating and the like. He then spoke about savings, the importance of savings and also informed us that a little saving every year can go a long way.

The talk conducted also elucidated two live cases of fraud and illegal mobilization that happened in Goa and how, such cases continue to be rampant; thereby necessitating vigilant and mindful consumer behavior.

The session went on for about 2 hours with a tea break of 15 minutes in between during which refreshments were served to all the attendees.

The programme was organized under the guidance of Faculty in-charge, Dr.K.S. Rao. Ellyson Dias Sapeco delivered the vote of thanks. As a token of our appreciation, Mr. Dalvi was presented with a bouquet.

The talk was informative; and the public, very interactive. Many questions were put forth and Mr. Dalvi cleared all doubts, satisfactorily.