Hyderabad, 22 September
SC/ST Atrocity Cases Declining in Telangana, Officials Tell CM Revanth Reddy
The number of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, has gradually declined in Telangana over the past five years, officials informed Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday, September 22.
Officials said cases under the Act were concentrated in certain areas, particularly 73 villages, and suggested that police focus on these locations to prevent such incidents.
CM reviews implementation of SC/ST Act
Revanth Reddy chaired a meeting of the State-level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee on the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act at the Telangana Secretariat.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Act, the progress of investigations and trials, financial assistance to victims and rehabilitation measures.
The functioning of special courts dealing with cases under the Act, mobile courts and awareness programmes were also discussed.
According to the government release, this was the first meeting of the committee chaired by the Chief Minister since the formation of Telangana in 2014. The previous such meeting chaired by a Chief Minister was held on February 11, 2013, in undivided Andhra Pradesh. SC/ST atrocity cases declining in Telangana: Officials to CM
Revanth stresses education and employment
The Chief Minister said education, employment and skill development were important for bringing about social change and called for collective efforts to address discrimination and oppression faced by SC and ST communities. SC/ST atrocity cases declining in Telangana: Officials to CM
He said the government was making efforts for the progress of Dalits, STs and Adivasis and emphasised the need to ensure that welfare and development programmes reach eligible beneficiaries.
CM directs officials on compensation
Revanth Reddy directed officials to ensure the immediate disbursement of compensation to victims as provided under the Act.
He instructed officials to use a “green channel” for releasing compensation, describing it as an automatic and fast-track process that would not be linked to budget allocations.
SC and ST beneficiaries under Indiramma housing scheme
Revanth Reddy said SCs account for around 16 per cent of Telangana’s population, while they constitute around 31 per cent of beneficiaries under the Indiramma housing scheme, according to the figures cited by him. SC/ST atrocity cases declining in Telangana: Officials to CM
He also said STs account for around 10 per cent of the state’s population and constitute about 17 per cent of beneficiaries under the housing scheme.
The Chief Minister said education could play an important role in addressing social inequalities and improving people’s access to opportunities.