Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday chaired a meeting of the State-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, constituted under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The meeting was held after an interval of 11 years, during which various topics were discussed in detail and the Committee Members presented their suggestions.
The Chief Minister said these laws were the result of the spirit of social justice and the foresightedness of the Congress Party and the architect of the Constitution, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
These laws were being implemented effectively in the state, bringing positive changes in our society. He stated that the Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department had been named as the nodal officer to further strengthen the administrative system.
Sukhu said Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, struggled throughout his life to establish equality and harmony in society. Inspired by his ideals, the state government was working with sensitivity and commitment for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes.
He said incidents of untouchability had now reduced in Himachal Pradesh and that 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 25.19 per cent 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 welfare schemes.
The Minister said 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 for 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 of Social Justice and Empowerment Sumit Kimta, along with Committee Members and senior officials, were present at the meeting.
Also Read: State to get 1,500 km of new roads: Vikramaditya
Follow us
