West Bengal to give stipend to new lawyers

Kolkata, April 2 (IANS) In a bid to encourage would-be lawyers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Monday said her government will give a stipend of Rs.1,000 to new registered lawyers for one year.

"West Bengal is the only state where we have set up 19 human rights courts and five CBI courts. Manpower is a very big problem. We will bring a welfare bill for lawyers. We have already set up a welfare corporation. We have sanctioned Rs.14 crore for it," Banerjee said.

"New lawyers who register themselves will be provided with a stipend of Rs.1,000 for one year. It will encourage new lawyers who have to struggle in their initial years," she said.

Banerjee announced a group insurance scheme under which family members of lawyers who die before the age of 60 will get Rs.2 lakh.