On Friday (6th September), The Jharkhand government approved a new bill providing medical insurance, stipends for junior advocates, and a pension scheme to enhance financial security for lawyers. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the legal community.
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RANCHI: The Jharkhand government approved a bill on Friday(6th September), that will provide substantial financial benefits to lawyers practicing within the state. The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, gave the green light to a series of progressive measures designed to support both seasoned and new advocates.
The bill marks a milestone for the legal community in Jharkhand by ensuring better financial security and medical support. The approved provisions include:
- Rs.5 lakh medical insurance cover for all 30,000 advocates actively practicing in the state.
- A pension of Rs.14,000 per month for retired or eligible lawyers.
- Stipend of Rs.5,000 per month for newly enrolled advocates during their first five years of practice.
This welfare package is expected to provide significant relief, especially to new lawyers entering the profession. Advocate General of Jharkhand, Rajiv Rajan, is credited with proposing this bill, highlighting the state’s commitment to improving the socio-economic conditions of its legal professionals.
Rajan emphasized the importance of these initiatives by stating-
“The government’s support allows lawyers to concentrate on their practice without being burdened by financial concerns.”
Expanding the Trend of Lawyer Support Across India
Jharkhand’s decision is part of a broader trend across several Indian states, aiming to support the legal community, particularly young lawyers. Several states have already introduced similar welfare schemes for lawyers, addressing their medical, financial, and professional needs.
Kerala’s Stipend Scheme for Young Lawyers
In 2023, Kerala was among the first states to take a bold step by introducing a stipend scheme specifically for young lawyers. Under this initiative, lawyers who are under 30 years of age, have less than three years of practice, and earn an annual income of less than Rs.1 lakh are eligible to receive Rs.3,000 per month. This scheme is a part of the state’s broader efforts to assist new legal professionals in building their careers without financial strain.
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Minimum Stipend Mandate for Junior Lawyers
The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has also played a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of junior lawyers. Earlier this year, the Bar Council issued a circular, urging all bar associations to implement a minimum stipend of Rs.20,000 for junior lawyers. This directive specifically targets junior advocates practicing in major cities such as Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore. The Bar Council’s decision came after a Madras High Court order mandating the enforcement of minimum stipend payments to junior lawyers to ensure fair compensation for their work.
The circular further stated-
“All advocates and senior advocates employing junior advocates in major cities are required to pay them a stipend of Rs.20,000.”
This was seen as a necessary step to bridge the financial gap for new lawyers, who often face difficulties in earning a sustainable income during their initial years of practice.
Delhi High Court’s Direction to Bar Council of India
The Delhi High Court recently directed the Bar Council of India (BCI) to address the issue of minimum stipends for junior lawyers. The court has asked the BCI to decide on a representation regarding the payment of a minimum stipend to all junior lawyers employed by senior advocates within six weeks. This directive underscores the increasing judicial and administrative pressure to ensure that young legal professionals receive adequate financial support during their formative years in the profession.
“The issue of stipend for junior lawyers is crucial,”
-the court observed, further emphasizing the need for such support across the legal sector.
Bar Council of India Advocates for Medical Insurance
Furthermore, the Bar Council of India (BCI) has urged the Central government to implement a nationwide medical and health insurance scheme for advocates and their families. This call comes after growing concerns about the lack of healthcare coverage for legal professionals, especially during the pandemic. The BCI is actively pushing for a policy that would ensure that lawyers and their families have access to medical services without financial hardship.
“The welfare of advocates must be a priority,”
-the BCI stated, emphasizing that ensuring financial and medical security for lawyers is crucial for the legal profession to thrive.
Allahabad High Court Petition on Lawyer Health Insurance
Earlier this year, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed before the Allahabad High Court, seeking a comprehensive health insurance policy for lawyers registered with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh. The petition aims to address the growing demand for healthcare benefits among legal professionals, who often face financial difficulties during medical emergencies. The High Court’s intervention is part of a larger movement across India, advocating for better insurance and welfare schemes for lawyers.
Jharkhand’s Proactive Approach
Jharkhand’s approval of the bill is seen as a proactive approach to addressing the needs of lawyers in the state, both young and experienced. The pension scheme, which provides Rs.14,000 per month to eligible advocates, is a rare initiative that reflects the government’s recognition of the lifelong contribution of lawyers to society.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, commenting on the decision, said-
“This initiative will protect the interests of our legal professionals and ensure their well-being throughout their careers and into retirement.”
Advocate General Rajiv Rajan, in support of the bill, reiterated-
“This move reflects the state’s commitment to providing financial security for both practicing and retired lawyers, allowing them to focus on their profession without financial concerns.”