Ranchi: In a landmark decision, the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government has approved a pension scheme for advocates, making it the first state in India to offer such a benefit to legal professionals. This was one of the 63 significant decisions taken during the recent cabinet meeting, which also includes health insurance for the state’s lawyers. The new initiatives aim to provide financial security and healthcare support to thousands of advocates across Jharkhand.
Pension Scheme for Lawyers
One of the major announcements was the introduction of a pension scheme for lawyers aged 65 and above who have surrendered their licenses. These retired legal professionals will now receive a monthly pension of ₹14,000. Previously, they were entitled to ₹7,000 from the Advocate Welfare Fund, but the new decision doubles their pension. This pension system will be implemented from the current financial year, with the government approving a grant of ₹1.60 crore to the Jharkhand Advocate Welfare Fund Trust Committee for the fiscal year 2024-25 to facilitate the initiative.
Stipend for New Lawyers
The government has also decided to significantly increase the monthly stipend for new advocates. Previously, young lawyers in their first three years of practice were receiving a stipend of ₹1,000 per month from the Advocate Welfare Fund. With the new policy, this stipend will be increased to ₹5,000, with the state government contributing ₹2,500 to the amount. A grant of ₹1.5 crore has been allocated to support this initiative, which is expected to help newly qualified advocates during the early years of their legal careers.
Health Insurance Coverage of ₹5 Lakhs
Another key decision from the cabinet meeting was the provision of health insurance for over 30,000 lawyers in the state. Each lawyer will now be covered under a medical insurance policy worth ₹5 lakhs. The government has committed to paying an annual premium of ₹6,000 per advocate to the Advocate Welfare Fund Trust for this insurance coverage. This comprehensive health plan will ensure that legal professionals and their families have access to essential medical care, providing them with much-needed financial protection in case of illness or injury.
A First in India
Speaking about these new initiatives, Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan emphasized that Jharkhand is the first state in India to introduce such a pension scheme for lawyers. He also highlighted that the combination of pension, increased stipends, and health insurance reflects the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of the state’s legal fraternity. These reforms are expected to set a precedent for other states in the country to follow, potentially leading to a broader national movement toward better welfare policies for advocates.
Advocate Welfare Fund and Trust Committees
The decisions taken by the Jharkhand cabinet also included reforms related to the Advocate Welfare Fund and the Advocate Welfare Trust Fund Committee, which play a crucial role in managing and disbursing the funds allocated for lawyers’ welfare. With additional financial support from the state government, these bodies will be better equipped to handle the increasing demands for pensions, stipends, and healthcare benefits.
Wider Implications for the Legal Community
This series of decisions marks a significant step forward for the legal community in Jharkhand. The introduction of a pension system and health insurance not only provides immediate financial relief but also addresses long-standing issues of financial insecurity among advocates, especially those in rural areas or with limited resources. Additionally, the increased stipend for new lawyers will help ease the financial burden faced by young professionals as they establish themselves in the legal field.
The Jharkhand government’s progressive approach towards advocate welfare has been widely appreciated, with many legal professionals and bar associations across the state welcoming the changes. There is also speculation that other states might soon follow suit, recognizing the need for similar schemes to support their own legal communities.
In conclusion, the Hemant Soren government’s historic decisions to provide pensions, stipends, and health insurance to Jharkhand’s lawyers mark a turning point in the welfare of the legal profession in India. These reforms reflect a broader recognition of the contributions of advocates and the need to support them throughout their careers, especially in times of financial or health-related hardship. As Jharkhand sets the stage for future policies, legal professionals across the country will likely look to these initiatives as a model for advocate welfare.
News – Sanjana Kumari.
