A month-long course has been launched here by the Goa Foundation, a Mapusa-based environmental organisation, and the local chapter of the Indian Institute of Public Administration to train ordinary citizens in legal matters.

A range of citizens -- law students, members of voluntary organisations and social action groups -- will get an insight into tackling public problems by seeking redress from the judiciary. The course is particularly expected to help those trying to restore Goa's depleting greenery.

Prominent legal luminaries from within and outside the state are expected to deliver lectures twice a week for all those who want to become a "barefoot lawyer". Speakers like Anthony Louis, president of the Maharashtra Litigants Association, will focus on how non-lawyers can argue their own cases in court and cope with the myriad laws, rules and procedures.

Green lawyer Norma Alvares, a veteran of manycourt battles, will focus on the environmental laws in the country. Alvares has been fighting for the enforcement of coastal building laws in Goa and protecting the state's environment.

Organisers at the Goa Foundation hope this will build up a cadre of trained "barefoot lawyers", who could come up with public interest suits to protect the common man's interests. Diverse issues, from wife-beating to noise pollution, will form part of the discussions.

An indication of what the ordinary citizen feels is the excellent response to the programme. Organisers say the number of those wanting to participate in the workshop was nearly two and a half times the planned number.