SCAORA resolves to introduce new financial scheme for the period between May 18 and May 31

In a virtual meeting held on May 18, the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA) has resolved to introduce a new financial scheme for the period between May 18 and May 31..The SCAORA Executive Committee has resolved to extend the benefit of the new financial assistance scheme to all the AORs as well as the Advocates whose names appear in the 2019 voter list of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). .The scheme would also be extended to Advocates covered under special categories who are in dire need of financial aid on account of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Executive Committee resolved..[Coronavirus Lockdown] SCAORA comes up with Financial Assistance Scheme to aid Advocates in dire need.Any AOR or Advocate eligible to avail this scheme would be required to furnish a declaration with certain specific details in order to apply for the benefit of this scheme. The details would cover their AOR registration number or SCBA membership number along with a statement saying that their name appears in the 2019 voter list of SCBA..The declaration would have to reflect that the person applying to avail the benefit is in dire financial condition on account of the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 and that s/he has an annual income of less than Rs. 8 Lakh..The Advocate applying for this financial assistance would further have to declare that no other COVID-19 related assistance or benefit has been received by them from any other Bar Association in that period..SCBA sets up COVID-19 Helpline Scheme to provide financial assistance to lawyers .The Eexcuitve Committee also says that subject to its approval, the condition pertaining to the SCBA member's name being included in the 2019 voter list may be relaxed as an exception to an active member of the SCBA, if the said member is a single woman or in dire financial straits due to a medical issue..The Advocate may fill out the prescribed details and communicate the same to the Execuitve Committee via e-mail to avail the benefit of the scheme. The Executive Committee has specified that the identity of the beneficiary would be kept confidential and every application will undergo scrutiny before being accepted.."The sole discretion for approval and non-approval of applications under the said scheme shall vest exclusively with the EC of SCAORA."SCAORA EC adds..If an application is approved, a one-time ex-gratia amount of Rs 10,000 would be given to the applicant. The last date to apply for the same is May 31.