Opposition express grave concern over attacks on Dalits
Rajya Sabha debate on atrocities on Dalits
andalib akhter / New Delhi
Allaying opposition concern over attacks on Dalits, Government today assured Rajya Sabha that it would not tolerate atrocities against weaker section of the society. “Centre would not tolerate atrocities on Dalits at any cost”, said Home Minister Rajnath Singh while replying to a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the recent incidents of atrocities on Dalits. He said that government was not only concerned about physical violence but verbal abuses also against the Dalits, which “equally insult and hurt a person”.
He said, the recent incident of atrocity on Dalits in Una, Gujarat was a blot on the humanity and efforts will be made to dispose of the case within six months to give justice to the victims. Mr Singh said, the incident is unfortunate and condemnable.
He said that so far 16 people have been arrested in the case and four police personnel have been suspended for dereliction of duty. He said, the Gujarat government is also in the process of setting up of a Special court for speedy trial of case and is consulting the High Court. He said, the matter has been handed over to the CID for thorough investigation. The Home Minister also rejected the opposition charges that cases of atrocities against Dalits have increased in last two years.
Earlier, intervening in the discussion, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot refuted the claims by some members that the budget in the Ministry and Sub plan has been curtailed. He said, the SC sub plan has been enhanced. Mr Gehlot said, the Gujarat incident is being politicized and efforts are being made to vitiate the atmosphere.
Initiating the discussion, Sharad Yadav of JD (U) expressed grave concern over attacks on dalits and said the crimes against them have increased during the last five years. He demanded banning of organizations which have mushroomed in the name of cow protection. Ahmed Patel of the Congress asked the government to use its moral authority and do justice to dalits. He said, the Gujarat incident should not be treated in isolation.
Participating in the debate, BSP chief Mayawati alleged that the atrocities on Dalits are on the rise in BJP-ruled states in the name of cow protection. She said, the centre should call an all-party meeting to find solution to this issue. She said, the Gujarat government, instead of CID probe, should set up a separate team to conduct the inquiry in fast track mode. Otherwise, she said, it would have disastrous consequences in the future.
Condemning the incident, Vinay Sahashrabuddhe of the BJP called for changing the mindset of the society which divides people into higher and lower castes. He said, the law should be made deterrent. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying to implement the policy of dalit entrepreneurship, which was espoused by Dr B R Ambedkar.