Government Committed to Uplifting Scheduled Castes with Sensitivity and Justice: CM Sukhu.
State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meeting Held After 11 Years in Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
In a significant step towards ensuring social justice and empowerment, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today 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, convened after an interval of 11 years, deliberated in detail on various issues concerning the welfare and protection of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Himachal Pradesh.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that these landmark legislations were born out of the vision of social justice championed by the Congress Party and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He said that the state government was implementing these laws effectively, resulting in positive social transformation and greater inclusion.
To strengthen administrative coordination, the Chief Minister announced that the Additional Chief Secretary of the Social Justice and Empowerment Department had been designated as the nodal officer for effective implementation of the Acts.
Highlighting the state government’s compassionate approach, Shri Sukhu stated,
“Mahatma Gandhi devoted his life to promoting equality and harmony in society. Inspired by his ideals, our government is working with utmost sensitivity for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and to ensure that no person faces discrimination or injustice.”
He further noted that incidents of untouchability had significantly declined in Himachal Pradesh and asserted that the government was taking strict punitive action wherever such cases arise. Over the past three years, approximately Rs. 7.35 crore has been disbursed as rehabilitation assistance to 1,200 victims, while 45,238 victims have been provided free legal aid through the State Legal Services Authority.
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, addressing the meeting, informed that 25.19 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s population belongs to the Scheduled Castes, and the state government was working with deep empathy and commitment for their upliftment. He highlighted that reservation in government jobs and various welfare schemes were instrumental in promoting social equality and harmony among all sections of society.
He reiterated that under Articles 15, 16, and 17 of the Constitution of India, untouchability and caste-based discrimination are punishable offences, and all citizens enjoy equal rights and protection under law. He further stressed that any violation of these Acts attracts strict penalties and fines, depending on the severity of the atrocity.
The meeting also saw the participation of Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvender Goma, Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission Nand Lal, MLAs Hans Raj, Vinod Kumar, Suresh Kumar, and Malender 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 other senior officials.
Chief Minister Sukhu concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering resolve to uphold the dignity, rights, and welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in the state, ensuring that social justice remains the cornerstone of governance in Himachal Pradesh.
