Preparing for Smart Financial Management in DLSAs: Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad Shows the Way via JHALSA Platform
Ranchi: A state-level workshop on the subject of "Financial Management (to enhance financial skills within District Legal Services Authorities)" was organized on Saturday in the JHALSA Auditorium, Nyaya Sadan, Doranda, under the aegis of the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA). The objective of this workshop was to further strengthen financial discipline, transparency, and operational efficiency within the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs).
The event was inaugurated through the lighting of a ceremonial lamp by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court and Executive Chairman of JHALSA, along with Justice Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Judge of the Jharkhand High Court, and other distinguished guests.
Secretaries of all District Legal Services Authorities in the state, accounts staff, experts, media representatives, and other stakeholders participated in the workshop. Comprehensive discussions were held on making the financial system more effective.
Financial Transparency is the Foundation of an Institution's Strength: Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad
Chief Guest Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad stated that the progress of any institution and the public's trust in it depend on the transparent, accountable, and rule-compliant utilization of its financial resources. He emphasized the necessity of adhering to General Financial Rules (GFR) alongside exercising foresight during budget formulation and the expenditure of funds.
Describing DLSA Secretaries as a crucial link in financial management, he noted their pivotal role in preparing budgets, ensuring the proper use of funds, timely submission of Utilization Certificates (UCs), and resolving audit-related matters. He stressed that funds must not be diverted to other heads without the permission of the competent authority, and it is mandatory to maintain records and vouchers for every expense.
PLVs and Mediators are the Backbone of Legal Services; No Delay in Honorarium Payments
Issuing specific instructions regarding the payment of honorariums to Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) and mediators, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad remarked that these individuals constitute a strong link in the legal services system. Receiving timely payments will boost their morale, enabling them to carry out social service activities with greater dedication.
Legal Education Lacks Training on Financial Rules: Justice Anil Kumar Choudhary
Guest of Honour Justice Anil Kumar Choudhary stated that financial discipline is mandatory for every institution utilizing public funds. He noted that while legal education does not provide training in financial management or government financial regulations, such knowledge is crucial for the efficient conduct of judicial and administrative functions.
He emphasized that DLSA Secretaries play a pivotal role in budget formulation, scheme implementation, and financial expenditure; therefore, they must possess a thorough understanding of financial rules.
JHALSA Newsletter Launched; Birsa College (Khunti) Students Honoured
During the event, the JHALSA newsletter (April–June 2026) was released. Additionally, students from Birsa College, Khunti, were felicitated for winning the 'Best Award' at the national level for a reel created during a competition organized by NALSA.
Experts Share Financial Management Insights Across Three Technical Sessions
Three technical sessions were conducted during the workshop, covering topics such as the maintenance of accounting books and registers, DLSA assets, the PFMS module, the GeM portal, and a review of the half-yearly activities of DLSAs in Jharkhand.
Training was imparted by former Senior DAG Faizan Ahmed and Ajay Kumar, GeM Consultant Kunal Chaurasia, Senior Accounts Officer Vijay Vardhan, Assistant Accounts Officer Sandeep Kumar Roy, Senior Technical Support Engineer Vikash Ravani, and Technical Support Engineer Karan Kumar.
Kumari Ranjana Asthana, Member Secretary of JHALSA, delivered the welcome address, while Abhishek Kumar, Deputy Registrar-cum-Deputy Secretary of JHALSA, proposed the vote of thanks. Kumari Ranjana Asthana also presided over the final technical session.
