BUDGETARY ALLOCATION OF RS. 50 CRORES FOR DELHI LAWYERS

The Chief Minister of Delhi in a bid to facilitate various social security schemes for lawyers has announced a budgetary provision of annual Rs. 50 crore allowances for various welfare schemes for lawyers in Delhi-NCR.
The announcement was made by the CM at an event at Delhi Tis Hazari Court Complex on 20th February, 2019. The event was to honour CM Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Law Minister Kailash Gehlot by the Bar Council of Delhi. Kejriwal also stated that the amount of Rs.50 crore is fixed but can be enhanced depending upon ground realities, it will therefore be of recurring nature. Besides, he is also mulling to bring lawyers within the ambit of Delhi Government Employees Health Scheme (DGEHS).
The declaration was in pursuance to the nationwide protest by lawyers who have been long demanding welfare measures. He promised that social security schemes would not be defeated due to lack of funds. The grant comes after initial funding which was granted by Delhi Government of Rs.1 crore at the time of enactment of Advocates’ Welfare Fund Act, 2001.
In addition to the grant, the CM also ensured that advocate chambers would be included under the category ‘domestic’ for determining electricity tariff.
In pursuance to avail above benefits, the BCI Chairman K.C Mittal stated that the Rules are going to be framed first for the welfare scheme under Advocates’ Welfare Fund Act,2001, then only they will be notified officially. A Trustee Committee have been formed to work upon it for drafting comprehensive and transparent rules. The Advocate Genera will be the Chairman of the Trustee Committee. The committee is aimed to be working on Rules to cater to genuine persons which is the thrust of the entire process and the Trustee committee would be administering the welfare fund too.
The legal fraternity is grateful to the Chief Minister for introducing such welfare schemes for the community who are contributors to the public welfare.
By-
Priyam Kamra
Student Reporter INBA