Udaipur: The Rajasthan chapter of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) organised a one-day Para-Legal Volunteers (PLVs) Training Workshop in Udaipur on June 14, bringing together social workers, advocates, journalists, and volunteers from 20 districts across the state to strengthen legal awareness and community-based rights advocacy.
Held at The Lake Haveli, the workshop was centred on the theme, “Learn the Law, Serve the Community, Protect Rights, and Promote Justice.” The programme aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge of legal rights, civil liberties, and social justice mechanisms while preparing them to serve as effective grassroots volunteers.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Advocate Mohammad Iqbal, Treasurer of APCR, followed by an introduction of participants. APCR Rajasthan State General Secretary Mujammil Rizvi outlined the organisation’s vision, mission, and ongoing activities, while Rukhsana Usman explained the objectives of the workshop and the expected roles and responsibilities of para-legal volunteers.
A key session on the Constitution of India and the Right to Information (RTI) was delivered by noted social activist and RTI campaigner Kamal Kumar Tak. He highlighted the constitutional rights available to citizens and the importance of the RTI Act as a tool for transparency and accountability.
Advocate Fawwaz Shaheen conducted a session on the Indian judicial and legal system, explaining the structure of courts and legal institutions and guiding participants on how citizens can effectively seek legal remedies when confronted with social or legal challenges.
Dr. M. Iqbal Siddiqui addressed the gathering on the responsibilities of APCR volunteers, emphasising their role in supporting communities and promoting legal awareness. Prakriti, Research and Documentation Coordinator at APCR Central, led a practical training session on case documentation, fact-finding methodologies, and report writing using hypothetical case studies.
To enhance practical learning, participants were divided into groups for role-play exercises and simulations based on real-world situations. The activities focused on immediate response strategies, legal provisions, and institutional support mechanisms in cases involving arrest, illegal eviction, communal violence, and domestic violence.
During the workshop, Meenakshi Sethi Zaidi emphasised the importance of building strong local volunteer networks and discussed their role in addressing community issues and supporting vulnerable groups at the grassroots level.
In the concluding session, APCR Rajasthan President Advocate Syed Saadat Ali underscored the significance of trained volunteers in promoting justice, protecting human rights, and increasing legal awareness in society. He encouraged participants to remain active in their respective regions and work toward assisting underprivileged and marginalised communities.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Rabbe Kuma Khan.
Concluding the event, Advocate Qamar Hussain, President of APCR Udaipur, expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, resource persons, participants, and organisers for their contributions to the successful conduct of the workshop.
The training workshop marked another step in APCR Rajasthan’s efforts to develop a network of informed and skilled para-legal volunteers capable of supporting communities, promoting constitutional values, and advancing access to justice across the state.
