Centre directs states to curb caste-based atrocities

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand Gehlot on Tuesday directed Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Karnataka among other states to take effective measures to contain caste-based atrocities.

His remarks came after he reviewed a meeting on the implementation status of the PCR (Protection of Civil Rights) act and the PoA (Prevention of Atrocities) act in the states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.

The Minister expressed his deep concern at the growing cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in these states, an official statement said.

He said the establishment of exclusive Special Courts and specification of exclusive Special Public Prosecutors should be accorded high priority by all state governments.

He emphasised on the regular conduct of meetings of State and District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committees to review the implementation of POA Act because these committees are required to review relief and rehabilitation facilities provided to the victims and other matters concerned therewith.

He said there should be timely completion of investigation and filing of charge sheet.

--IANS

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