Scheduled Castes chief orders strict enforcement of SC/ST Atrocities Act

Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Jasvir Singh Garhi has instructed senior government officials to ensure the strict and effective implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, while also prioritising the redressal of complaints related to the Scheduled Caste community.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Garhi emphasised the commission’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of the Scheduled Castes across Punjab.

After reviewing the status of cases under the SC/ST Act with senior officers from the police, local government and social justice departments, Garhi directed the police to expedite the disposal of these cases to ensure timely justice for complainants. He also ordered that each district appoint a nodal officer at the rank of SP to oversee the progress of atrocity-related complaints. Additionally, he called for the establishment of a special helpline to allow victims to lodge complaints directly via phone. Garhi further stated that he had instructed police authorities to deploy security guards at key SC religious and cultural sites, such as Rakba Sahib in Ludhiana, Jhandian Dham in Ropar, and the sacred tap-asthaan of Guru Ravidass at Khuralgarh Sahib, to ensure the safety of the large number of devotees, many of whom belong to the Scheduled Castes and other backward communities.

Regarding community infrastructure, the Chairman urged the Social Justice and Empowerment department to expedite the construction of Ambedkar Bhawans in Barnala, Fazilka, Malerkotla, Pathankot and SAS Nagar. He also approved proposals for new Ambedkar Bhawans in Barnala and for the completion of the pending structure in Tarn Taran.

Reaffirming the commission’s commitment, Garhi assured that every possible measure would be taken to deliver justice, strengthen safeguards and fully protect the rights of the SC community.