Jharkhand Government’s New Bill: Major Financial Support for the Legal Fraternity with Insurance, Stipends, and Pensions

 

On September 6, 2024, the Jharkhand government made a landmark decision by passing a bill that provides significant financial support to its legal fraternity. This move, hailed as a major step forward, offers comprehensive benefits such as medical insurance, pensions for senior advocates, and stipends for junior lawyers, aiming to secure the welfare of over 30,000 lawyers in the state.

Key highlights of the bill include:

1. Medical Insurance: The government has introduced a Rs 5 lakh medical insurance policy for lawyers, ensuring that they have access to healthcare during emergencies. This move addresses the growing concern over the financial vulnerabilities faced by lawyers, particularly those practicing independently .

 

2. Monthly Stipend for Junior Lawyers: Recognizing the financial hardships faced by new advocates, the bill offers a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 to newly enrolled lawyers for the first five years of practice. This provision aims to ease the financial burden on young professionals entering the field, enabling them to focus on building their careers.

 

3. Pension for Senior Lawyers: For advocates aged 65 and above, the monthly pension has been increased to Rs 14,000 from the previous Rs 7,000. This ensures a dignified retirement for senior members of the legal community who have contributed years of service.

 

This initiative, spearheaded by Jharkhand Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan, is considered one of the first of its kind in India and is expected to set a precedent for other states. Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized that this decision aims to strengthen the legal community and ensure that young lawyers, especially those from economically weaker sections, can continue in the profession without financial constraints.

This bill marks a progressive move by the Jharkhand government, acknowledging the critical role lawyers play in upholding justice and the law. By offering financial assistance through insurance, stipends, and pensions, the state has shown a commitment to the well-being of its legal professionals.