Parliamentary Panel Calls for Action on Atrocities Against Scheduled Castes

A parliamentary panel expressed concerns over states' failure to implement mechanisms addressing atrocities against Scheduled Castes. It highlighted systemic gaps, fund underutilization, and stressed cooperative federalism's role. The panel called for efficient planning and accountability to ensure the success of welfare schemes.

A parliamentary panel has raised concerns regarding several states' inability to establish the necessary frameworks to effectively address instances of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs). The panel emphasized persistent systemic failures and recommended the central government engage more actively with state governments to bolster the necessary infrastructure under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The report, presented in Lok Sabha, noted that despite ample financial resources at the central level, many states have failed to utilize the funds available, slowing progress on addressing these critical issues. The committee also called for 'sincere and coordinated' efforts by state governments, supported by central resources, to tackle atrocities against SCs effectively.

Recommendations included the implementation of stronger monitoring mechanisms and regular reviews by senior officials, alongside state-level workshops to address operational deficiencies. The committee stressed the importance of cooperative federalism and urged more robust cooperation between central and state governments to ensure the effective execution of welfare schemes designed to benefit marginalized communities across India.