The Himachal Pradesh State Scheduled Castes Commission has sought a report from the concerned departments over the alleged caste-based discrimination against a Dalit girl student at Chiyog School, where her classmates reportedly refused to eat food served by her. Commission Chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman said appropriate action would be taken after examining the report.
Chairing a review meeting with representatives of various organisations at Bachat Bhawan, Dhiman said the Commission acts swiftly on complaints of atrocities and discrimination against Scheduled Castes. He described untouchability as a social evil and stressed that strict action is initiated whenever laws meant to prevent such practices are violated.
Referring to previous cases, he said the Commission had intervened in the Rohru student suicide case and the Sainj murder case, leading to disciplinary action against police officials for lapses in investigation and ensuring fresh probes in the matters.
The Chairman urged civil society organisations and public representatives to work closely with the Commission to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes. He also directed the district administration to submit a status report on Ambedkar Bhawans across the district.
Commission member Dr. Vijay Dogra said the Commission closely monitors the implementation of welfare schemes and utilisation of funds meant for Scheduled Castes, while ensuring prompt redressal of complaints.
During the meeting, the Commission also launched ‘Bhim Patra’, an awareness booklet highlighting the constitutional safeguards and legal rights available to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including provisions related to education, reservation, employment and political representation. A second edition focusing on Central and State government welfare schemes for SC communities will also be released.
Representatives of various organisations raised issues related to reservation, utilisation of SC/ST component funds, legal aid for victims of caste discrimination, sanitation workers’ wages, and implementation of constitutional safeguards. Several participants also reiterated concerns over the alleged discrimination incident at Chiyog School.
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