A significant delegation representing the legal fraternity secured an audience with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Saturday, presenting a series of demands aimed at bolstering welfare and security for advocates across the state.
Key Demands for Advocate Welfare
Led by Pt. Ravindra Sharma, convener of the Adhivakta Kalyan Sangharsh Samiti, and advocate MLA Surendra Maithani, the group submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister. The foremost request was the extension of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme to cover advocates and their family members. This move would ensure they receive free medical treatment, a benefit currently available to many other sections of society.
Beyond healthcare, the delegation pressed for the enforcement of a long-pending pension scheme for senior members of the bar. They proposed a monthly pension of Rs. 15,000 for advocates who retire from the profession, recognizing their years of service. To support the next generation, they also sought financial assistance for newly enrolled advocates in the form of a monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000. This stipend is intended to help young lawyers cover essential costs like law books and other professional necessities.
Enhanced Benefits and Representation
The memorandum included several other critical points. Pt. Ravindra Sharma specifically demanded that the maturity amount of the Adhivakta Kalyan Nidhi be increased from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, providing a larger safety net. A strong push for gender diversity was also made, with a call for the appointment of women advocates in government, semi-government, and private institutions with a minimum reservation of 30 per cent.
Furthermore, the delegation urged the state government to enact an Advocates Protection Act, a legislative measure aimed at safeguarding lawyers from threats and violence in the line of duty.
Chief Minister's Assurance
Members of the delegation reported that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave them a patient hearing. He read through the submitted memorandum and assured the group that their demands would be considered seriously. This assurance has sparked hope within the legal community for concrete policy actions that could significantly improve their professional and personal security.
The meeting underscores the ongoing efforts by legal professionals in Uttar Pradesh to secure better social security benefits and highlights the welfare issues faced by advocates, particularly those who are newly starting out or are veterans of the profession.
