CJI Surya Kant Praises Jhalsa’s Project Shishu, Signals Push for National-Level Expansion Through NALSA

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant praised Jharkhand's Project Shishu, an initiative for the rehabilitation and protection of orphaned and vulnerable children, during a state-level legal services camp in Deoghar. He indicated that efforts could be made through NALSA to explore taking the initiative to the national level.

Deoghar: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant on Monday praised Project Shishu, an initiative run by the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) for the rehabilitation, protection and social reintegration of orphaned, destitute and vulnerable children. During a state-level Legal Services-cum-Empowerment Camp held at the Deoghar Civil Court premises, the CJI described the initiative as an important intervention aimed at securing a better future for children in need of care and support.

Recognising the project's social significance and potential to benefit children beyond Jharkhand, Justice Surya Kant indicated that efforts could be undertaken through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to explore its expansion at the national level. Such an initiative could help extend the benefits of the Jharkhand model to vulnerable children in other parts of the country.

CJI Surya Kant Visits Baba Baidyanath Temple Before Court Programme

Justice Surya Kant began his Deoghar visit with a visit to the Baba Baidyanath Temple, where he offered prayers and performed religious rituals in accordance with established traditions. After completing the temple visit, his convoy proceeded to the Deoghar Civil Court premises, where the state-level Legal Services-cum-Empowerment Camp had been organised.

Extensive arrangements had been made at the court complex ahead of the Chief Justice of India's arrival. The programme brought together the legal services and social empowerment framework, with a focus on initiatives aimed at extending assistance and support to vulnerable sections of society.

Traditional Tribal Performances Mark Grand Welcome

The CJI received a traditional welcome reflecting Jharkhand's rich tribal heritage and cultural identity. Artists dressed in traditional attire presented tribal folk dances, while the rhythmic beats of drums and other traditional instruments accompanied the welcome ceremony.

The cultural performances offered a glimpse of the state's indigenous traditions and added a distinct regional character to the formal judicial programme. The reception also highlighted the importance of local cultural heritage during a major public event attended by the country's highest judicial authority.

State-Level Camp Begins With National Anthem

Following the welcome ceremony, the formal proceedings commenced with the collective rendition of the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana. The court premises observed a solemn and dignified atmosphere as participants stood in respect during the national anthem.

The ceremonial opening was followed by the stage programme and the formal proceedings of the state-level Legal Services-cum-Empowerment Camp. The event focused on legal assistance, social welfare and empowerment initiatives being undertaken to support people in need.

Project Shishu Focuses on Rehabilitation of Vulnerable Children

Project Shishu emerged as one of the key highlights of the programme. Implemented by JHALSA, the initiative focuses on the rehabilitation, protection and social reintegration of orphaned, abandoned, destitute and otherwise vulnerable children who lack adequate family or social support.

The project seeks to connect such children with opportunities and support systems that can help them move towards a secure and dignified life. Its approach goes beyond immediate protection by emphasising rehabilitation, access to opportunities and long-term welfare.

Justice Surya Kant appreciated the project's objectives and the work being undertaken under the initiative. He emphasised the broader importance of ensuring that children who lack adequate family protection receive not only care and security but also opportunities for a dignified life and a better future.

The CJI's appreciation placed the spotlight on the role of legal services institutions in addressing social vulnerabilities through targeted welfare interventions. The initiative also reflects how legal services authorities can contribute to child protection and rehabilitation beyond their conventional role of providing legal assistance.

NALSA Route May Help Take Project Shishu Beyond Jharkhand

Highlighting the wider relevance of Project Shishu, the CJI indicated that efforts could be made through NALSA to explore its expansion at the national level. The proposed direction could provide an opportunity to assess how the initiative's framework may be extended to other states and adapted to the needs of vulnerable children across the country.