Bhubaneswar, August 4: The Odisha State Bar Council has expressed gratitude to the Odisha Government for its positive response to key demands, including the establishment of a Law Academy, enhancement of theAdvocates'Retirement cum Death Benefit to Rs 9 lakh, provision of  Madhubabu Health Insurance Scheme benefits for lawyers, and an increase in the government's matching grant from Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore.

Odisha State Bar Council Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy said the government has agreed in principle to the Bar Council's proposals concerning the Law Academy, health insurance for advocates, and increasing the Retirement cum Death Benefit of Advocates to Rs 9 lakh.

During an official meeting at the State Secretariat, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan held detailed discussions with a Bar Council delegation comprising Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwibedy, Executive Chairman Arupananda Das, senior advocate Bibhu Prasad Tripathy, and Bar Council members Dhananjay Munda, Atma Prakash Mohanty, and Akshaya Kumar Samantaray.

The Law Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to the welfare of advocates and invited the Bar Council to work closely with the government in implementing welfare initiatives. The government has also sought the Bar Council's views on the proposed Advocates' Protection Bill.

To enhance the professional skills of advocates, the government has agreed to provide land for setting up aLaw Academyunder the Odisha State Bar Council. Until permanent infrastructure is developed, the government has assured that a temporary training facility will be made available.

During the meeting, Law Secretary Dr. Pavitra Mohan Samal stressed the need for holding meetings of the Advocates' Welfare Fund at regular intervals.

Bar Council Chairman Sitanshu Mohan Dwivedi also requested the Law Minister to extend the Rs 5 lakh for the Madhubabu Health Insurance Scheme to all advocates in the state on the lines of the scheme available to journalists. The Law Minister agreed to the proposal.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Odisha State Bar Council thanked the state government for its positive approach and urged it to implement the proposed welfare measures at the earliest.