A AKHTER / NEW DELHI
Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot has asked the official of States and UTs to curb the incidents of atrocities against Scheduled Castes. He also directed that they should ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book expeditiously and the victims are appropriately compensated.
Minister was speaking at a meeting of Principal Secretaries of States/UTs of Social Justice Department in New Delhi today.
Gehlot emphasized that the Government has made amendments in the PoA Act making some of its provisions more stringent and also enhancing the quantum of relief amount to the victims. Recently we have also notified Amendments in the PoA Rules.
“I would call upon the States and UTs to implement the Act in letter and spirit so that atrocities against the SCs are curbed” he urged. He said that States should expedite implementation of the provisions of amended PoA Act and work for awareness generation and sensitization of police and other officers about their provisions.
Expressing concern over the practice of manual scavenging, Gehlot said this has to be eradicated from this country on a war footing. He urged the States to work towards eradication of this inhuman practice on priority basis.
Social Welfare Minister said that the Government of India has been implementing various Schemes for educational and economic and social empowerment of SCs, OBCs and Senior Citizens. These Schemes including the Scholarship Schemes have a wide coverage. He said to ensure effective delivery of the Schemes of the Centre and the States can join hands.
Referring Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) (PMAGY), Shri Gehlot said that it is being implemented for integrated development of Scheduled Castes (SC) majority villages having SC Population concentration more than 50%. He requested states to make all efforts for effective implementation and fund utilization under this centrally sponsored scheme.