http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Statutory-bodies-in-state-fail-to-secure-rights-of-SCs-Study-/articleshow/7032736.cms
Statutory bodies in state fail to secure rights of SCs: Study
TNN, Dec 3, 2010, 05.52am IST
JAIPUR: A study by social organsiations has highlighted an
unsatisfactory role of statutory bodies in securing the rights and
entitlements of scheduled castes in Rajasthan. The findings of the
study were released at a state-level consultation organized at Nehru
Sahakar Bhavan here on Thursday.
Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA) in collaboration with Centre for
Dalit Rights (CDR) Jaipur conducted the study.
According to the annual report 2009-10, by the Union ministry of
Social justice and empowerment, Rajasthan reported one of the highest
incidence of atrocities against Dalits, with 4,302 cases registered in
2008 under SC/ST (PoA) act. It reports an incidence of 44.7 cases per
lakh of population, which is the highest percentage in India.
Thirty-one case studies from the state were discussed to analyse with
a point of view of implementation, constitutional safeguards and the
process of grievance redressal. The study highlighted those high
levels of dissatisfaction with these constitutional and quasi-legal
bodies, which are meant to protect interests of SCs.
The report observed, "It is clear that the protective measures and
developmental measures have not been implemented in the spirit in
which they were conceived. Its reach, therefore, remains limited and
impact is not very clearly visible at the micro level."
While macro development indicators portray better pictures, grassroots
realities are not so rosy. Even government data implies not so
efficient utilization of resources under various schemes. Pockets of
poverty and deprivation still remain untouched. Incidents are often
cited in the field when various commissions and committees made for
benefits of SCs could not always deliver help to SC individuals and
communities.
Rajasthan State Planning Board's deputy chairman Prof Vijay Shankar
Vyas, addressing the inaugural session, said the facts and figures
revealed in the study were shocking and it was very unfortunate that
atrocities against Dalits were continuing unabated despite the
presence of laws and statutory institutions.
He emphasised the need to create public opinion in favour of bringing
marginalised people to the mainstream. Prof Vyas expressed concern
over the fact that while the law provides for equality of all
citizens, this was not translated into reality in the country's social
life.
Centre for Dalit Rights patron, P L Mimroth, held the state government
directly responsible for injustice against Dalits. He said the State
Human Rights Commission, Women's Commission and SC/ST Commission were
virtually defunct and were dominated by people with feudal mindset in
their approach and functioning.
Calling for fixing accountability of government, Mimroth said the
clear legal provisions such as in camera court proceedings in the rape
cases were not complied with.
"The poor conviction rate of 4 to 5 per cent in the rape cases of
Dalit women reveals the weakness of our entire justice delivery
system," he said.
PRIA director, New Delhi, Manoj Rai, regretted that the major
commissions in Rajasthan, such as Women's Commission and SC/ST
Commission had not been commissioned during the present regime.
Strangely, the SC/ST Commission in the state has not brought out its
annual report even once so far.
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