SC/ST Commission sends recommendation to govt hours before Lok Sabha discussion

The move has political significance too as it comes in the background of massive showdown on Dalit atrocities between central government and a united opposition.

“It is shocking that we are making more and more stringent laws but in reality the atrocities against Dalits are on a rise. PM did make few statements outside the Parliament but it isn’t showing much result to curb this menace. So, once again to highlight the gravity of the matter, we sent few recommendations to government,” said NCSC Chairman PL Punia. 

The recommendations include prompt registration of FIRs; speedy police probe; exclusive fast track courts for hearing the Dalit atrocities related cases; compensation and rehabilitation of victims as well as witnesses and setting up of National Vigilance Monitoring Committee.

“The commission has written to the central government stating that urgent measures are needed to provide justice to the Dalit community members. Mere sloganeering wouldn’t do. The core issues of the community need to be addressed by the ruling establishment,” added Punia.

Another recommendation that commission has stressed upon is that the Govt should come up with blue print of Rohith Vemula Act to protect the rights of Dalit students in various educational institutions. The commission’s recommendations also find support from the United Opposition which is building pressure on BJP led NDA government on the issue of Dalit atrocities.  

JDU national spokesperson KC Tyagi said, “Rohith Vemula’s case has left many questions about the 

education of Dalits. We along with other like minded parties will support inside and outside the Parliament this move to enact Rohith Vemula Act. Govt should take into consideration the 

recommendations of SC / ST commission.

Breaking his silence on this issue during his Town Hall meeting in Delhi, PM Narendra Modi had taken a strong stand against the Gau Rakshas. However, despite PM’s warnings, a number of heinous crimes against Dalits have been reported across the country in last few days.

Upping the ante against the BJP led central government, opposition is demanding that PM should tell the nation about the concrete steps taken by government to curb such incidents.

“PM has expressed what seemed to be a political outburst in view of upcoming assembly elections. But the question remains what concrete steps have been taken by the central government to punish the guilty and prevent such heinous crimes in the future,” said Congress National spokesperson Tom Vadakkan.

Questioning the timing of PM’s speeches, Punjab incharge and general secretary of AAP, Sanjay Singh questioned, “Why only now Modi ji spoke? It is the assembly elections in UP and Punjab that forced him to do so. The opposition has been unanimously demanding that PM should break his silence and address the house but he didn’t speak.” Dalits and Backward community forms 35% vote share in the state of Punjab whereas in Uttar Pradesh, SC and ST forms 20% vote bank.