Bar Council of Delhi writes to Arun Jaitley to provide financial assistance to lawyers in distress

After approaching Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an annual grant of Rs 200 crore, the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) has written to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to “look into” bringing welfare schemes and policies, which provide financial assistance to lawyers in distress or crisis..In the letter dated October 11, 2018, BCD Chairman KC Mittal has brought to the Minister’s notice that after the initial grant of Rs One crore by the Delhi Government at the time of enactment of Advocates Welfare Act, 2001, no grant has been made by the Central or the State Government..The letter states,.“You are aware of the working conditions of the lawyers and how they suffer in case of crisis or distress, along with the family members. No medical or life insurance policies are available and our experience so far has been that the cost of such policies is very high, making it beyond our reach. The Government has not so far introduced any scheme(s) and policies to facilitate the legal fraternity.”.“Even the value of welfare stamp is totally inadequate, so also the membership fees and subscription“, the letter further reads..The letter states that the legal profession has been “desperately waiting for some viable and adequate scheme/policies” to provide some respite to lawyers during their period of crisis..BCD has thus requested the Finance Minister to “kindly look into the matter expeditiously and provide good and workable schemes/policies at the Governmental level to provide adequate financial assistance to lawyers and their families, while in distress or crisis.”.Read the letter:.Image Courtesy: NDTV