Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a meeting of the State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, constituted the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1995 and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities), 1985. This meeting was held after an interval of 11 years in which various topics were discussed in detail and the Members of the Committee presented their suggestions.
The Chief Minister said that these laws were the result of the spirit of social justice and foresightedness of the Congress Party and the architect of the Constitution Baba Sahib Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. These laws were being implemented effectively in the state, bringing positive changes in our society. He stated that Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department had been named as nodal officer to further strengthen the administrative system.
Sukhu said that Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, struggled throughout his life to establish equality and harmony in society. Inspired by his efforts, the state government was working with sensitivity and commitment for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes.
He said that incidents of untouchability had now reduced in Himachal Pradesh and the government was ensuring strict action in such cases. He said that approximately Rs. 7.35 crore had been distributed as rehabilitation assistance to 1,200 victims in the last three years, while 45,238 victims had been provided free legal aid through the State Legal Services Authority.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil said that 25.19 percent of the state’s population belongs to the Scheduled Castes and the state government was working with compassion for their welfare. He further stated that brotherhood and harmony were being promoted among all sections of society through reservation in government jobs and various social schemes.
The Minister said that under Articles 15, 16 and 17 of the Indian Constitution, untouchability and caste discrimination had been declared punishable offences and equal rights had been granted to all citizens. In case of any violation of the Act, there was a provision of strict punishment and fine, depending upon the severity of the atrocity, he remarked.
Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvendra Goma, Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission Nand Lal, MLAs Hans Raj, Vinod Kumar, Suresh Kumar and Malendra Rajan, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, DGP Ashok Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary Shyam Bhagat Negi, Director, Social Justice and Empowerment Sumit Kimta along-with the committee Members and senior officials were present in the meeting.
