“Ensuring equitable development of all sections of society, particularly the weaker sections is central to the Government’s agenda of inclusive growth,” said the prime minister.
Delivering inaugural address at the Conference of State Ministers of Welfare and Justice, Singh said it was imperative that the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 are implemented.
“The success of our work will be measured in how far we are able to bring succour to our sisters and brothers of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Differently-Abled and Senior Citizens”.
“Although successive governments have made progressive laws, which protect the basic rights and dignity of those who are disadvantaged in one way or the another, the real question is how to implement and enforce these laws effectively,” the Prime Minister said.
Dr. Singh said he had written to Chief Ministers on this subject and hoped that the state welfare ministers would implement them in letter and spirit.
The Prime Minister also said the government was considering expanding its pilot scheme “Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana” for integrated development of villages which have a large Scheduled Caste presence.
Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik said offences of atrocities against Schedule caste continue to be a matter of serious concern. He said that persons belonging to Scheduled Castes constitute the most vulnerable segment of the society.
He said there is a “substantial gap” between the statutory requirements and the compliance of these laws in the states and the machinery for effective implementation of the two Acts in the states should be geared up.
The Centre has launched the scheme on a pilot basis in five states of Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu for integrated development of 1000 villages.
“Ensuring equitable development of all sections of society and especially the weaker sections is central to the government’s agenda of inclusive growth,” the Prime Minister noted.
Terming manual scavenging as one of the “darkest blots” and a “heinous” practice, the Prime Minister appealed to the people to take a pledge that this “scourge” would be eliminated in the next six months from every nook and corner of the country.
