The Indian government plans to conduct an independent audit to assess the effectiveness and sustainability of its key legal aid schemes, which are set to conclude in 2026. The audit will focus on the Department of Justice’s Central Sector Scheme, known as DISHA, which aims to improve access to justice, particularly in remote areas. The scheme consists of three main programs: Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, and Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness, all of which provide accessible and affordable legal services to citizens.
The DISHA scheme has a financial outlay of ₹250 crore for a period of five years. To evaluate its impact, the Department of Justice has issued a notice inviting tenders for an independent evaluation of the scheme. The proposed evaluation will analyze the impact of the three programs on targeted beneficiaries, sectors, and regions, and undertake an output-outcome analysis of each program. It will also identify gaps in implementation, if any, and suggest measures for improvement.
The Tele-Law scheme, one of the key programs under DISHA, uses communication and information technology to deliver legal information and advice through video-conferencing infrastructure at common service centers. The Nyaya Bandhu scheme provides pro bono legal services to marginalized individuals and groups across the country by connecting practicing advocates with eligible beneficiaries.
The independent audit aims to assess the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of the DISHA scheme post-2026. The evaluation will help identify course corrections or improvements needed and provide recommendations for the future. The audit is expected to be completed within a specified timeframe to ensure timely completion. The government’s decision to conduct an independent audit reflects its commitment to ensuring that its legal aid schemes are effective and sustainable in providing accessible and affordable legal services to citizens, especially those in remote areas.