After Media Report, DLSA Visits Parvati Topno’s Home to Assess Toilet and Drinking Water Issues

The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Gumla, has taken note of the basic difficulties faced by the family of 18-year-old hockey player Parvati Topno, who recently brought pride to Jharkhand by winning a gold medal at the Junior Asia Hockey Cup.

The DLSA team visited Parvati’s home to assess the family’s living conditions after a media report highlighted the lack of a proper toilet and other basic facilities at the house.

The visit followed directions from Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA) Executive Chairman Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, who took note of the report and directed DLSA Gumla to conduct an on-ground assessment and submit a detailed report.

Acting on the instructions and under the guidance of Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairman of DLSA Gumla Ajit Kumar Singh, the team met Parvati’s parents and gathered information about their housing situation, access to sanitation and drinking water, and the welfare schemes from which the family is currently benefiting.

Parvati’s father, Soma Topno, informed the team that she had left for Bengaluru a day earlier for hockey training. He said the district administration had approved a house for the family and that they had received the relevant sanction letter.

The family also has a ration card and an Ayushman card, while Parvati’s mother, Jago Topno, is receiving benefits under the Maiyan Samman Yojana.

However, the family told the DLSA team that their present home does not have a toilet, creating difficulties for household members. Access to safe drinking water is another major concern, and the family requested that both issues be addressed at the earliest.

The DLSA team assured the family that it would coordinate with the district administration and the concerned departments to explore appropriate solutions and facilitate access to eligible government welfare schemes.

Particular attention will be given to the toilet and drinking water issues. The team said it would coordinate with the relevant officials for action according to applicable rules and also help the family determine whether they are eligible for any additional government schemes or benefits.

The DLSA also explained that its role extends beyond providing free legal assistance to eligible people in courts. It works to create awareness about legal rights, government welfare programmes and social security provisions, while helping eligible and disadvantaged families access the benefits available to them.

The initiative is aimed at ensuring that eligible people are not deprived of their rights or government assistance simply because they lack information about the available schemes.

In view of Parvati's sporting achievement, DLSA Gumla is also considering involving her in its legal and social awareness programmes. Her journey from a rural background to winning a gold medal at the Junior Asia Hockey Cup could provide an example for children and young people in rural and tribal areas and encourage them to pursue education, sports and awareness of their rights.

The DLSA said Parvati's achievement is a matter of pride for Gumla and Jharkhand. Her success despite limited resources demonstrates the potential of young people from rural areas to make a mark at national and international sporting events when they receive opportunities and remain committed to their goals.

The legal services authority reiterated that it would continue to provide guidance and assistance to eligible families in accessing their legal rights and government welfare benefits.