The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Central Sponsorship Program (CSS) for the development of the infrastructure of the justice system for an additional five years, from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026.

The cabinet approved the implementation of the program in mission mode through the National Mission for the Delivery of Justice and Legal Reforms with the aim of developing a well-equipped judicial infrastructure for easy access and rapid delivery of justice. justice to all,

The total cost of the program is estimated at Rs 9,000 crore, of which Rs 5,357 crore will be the central part, including Rs 50 crore for the Gram Nyayalayas program.

The program will aim to help develop the infrastructure of the justice system as several courts are still operating in rented premises and some in dilapidated conditions without basic amenities.

This proposal will contribute to the construction of 3,800 courtrooms and 4,000 residential units (new and ongoing projects) for judicial officers of district and subordinate courts, 1,450 law rooms, 1,450 complexes toilets and 3,800 digital computer rooms.

This should improve the functioning and performance of the judicial system in the country. The cabinet also approved the decision to support the Gram Nyayalayas by proving recurring and non-recurring grants for a period of five years with a total expenditure of Rs 50 crore.

However, funds will only be released to states once the notified Gram Nyayalayas are operational and the Nyayadikaris have been appointed and reported on the Justice Ministry’s Gram Nyayalaya portal.

A review will be undertaken after one year to assess whether the Gram Nyayalaya program has successfully achieved its goal of providing rapid and affordable justice to the marginalized rural part of society.

Since the establishment of the CSS in 2014, the central government has provided only Rs 3,444 crore to state governments and UTs, a government statement said, adding: “In contrast, the current government over the years past seven years has sanctioned 5,200 crore rupees so far, which is almost 60% of the penalties handed down so far.

… With IANS inputs