DISHA 2.0 approved with ₹255 crore for access to justice

DISHA 2.0 access to justice scheme: what happened?

Article 39A asks the State to give free legal aid so poverty does not block justice. DISHA 2.0 puts that duty on CSCs, pro-bono lawyers, literacy drives and an AI chatbot.

• Tele-Law: free pre-litigation advice via 2,50,000 CSCs in 784 districts across 36 States/UTs, including 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks; Nyaya Sahayaks at the doorstep in Aspirational Blocks.
• Nyaya Bandhu: pro-bono help for persons eligible under Section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987; Pro-Bono Clubs in law colleges.
• LLLAP: legal literacy with ministries, PSUs, CSOs, law universities and media.
• VIDHI-Sanjeevani: integrated dashboard plus multilingual Nyaya Setu chatbot.

What did the earlier DISHA achieve by 31 May 2026?

• Over 2.37 crore beneficiaries.
• Tele-Law: 1.13 crore+ pre-litigation advices.
• Nyaya Bandhu: 10,681 Pro-Bono Advocates; 109 Pro-Bono Clubs in 31 States/UTs.
• LLLAP: 1.24 crore+ outreach.

Which constitutional provisions are cited?

• Preamble and Articles 14, 21 and 39A.
• Article 39A: State shall secure equal opportunity in the legal system and provide free legal aid so justice is not denied for economic or other disability.

Which Articles frame DISHA 2.0?

• Article 14 (equality), Article 21 (life and personal liberty), Article 39A (equal justice and free legal aid).
• Also linked to SDG-16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

What are the four components of DISHA 2.0?

Why does DISHA 2.0 access to justice scheme matter?

What are the challenges in DISHA 2.0 access to justice scheme?

• 3 crore target is cumulative across components; quality of advice still depends on CSC and advocate capacity.
• AI chatbot must stay accurate and multilingual without replacing counsel where courts demand it.
• Pro-bono scale (10,681 advocates earlier) is still thin against national need.

What should be done next on DISHA 2.0 access to justice scheme?

• Roll out Nyaya Setu and the integrated dashboard.
• Grow Pro-Bono Clubs and CSC coverage.
• Track beneficiary outcomes, not only headcount.

What can Prelims ask on DISHA 2.0 access to justice scheme?

• DISHA 2.0: ₹255 crore; 1 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2031; XVI Finance Commission cycle.
• Four components including new VIDHI-Sanjeevani / Nyaya Setu.
• Cites Arts 14, 21, 39A; target 3 crore beneficiaries.
• Tele-Law via 2,50,000 CSCs.

How to write about DISHA 2.0 access to justice scheme in Mains

Practice question (10 marks, 150 words): How does DISHA 2.0 seek to fulfil Article 39A? Assess the role of Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu and the new VIDHI-Sanjeevani component.

• State Article 39A duty.
• Describe four components and ₹255 crore / 2026-31 frame.
• Show earlier outreach numbers as baseline.
• Discuss AI chatbot promise and limits.
• Conclude on ease of justice with Viksit Bharat 2047 line only if kept to release.