CS reviews PoA & PCR Acts in state
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, November 29 2024: Chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (PoA Act), and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1989 (PCR Act) at the conference hall of the secretariat (South Block) on Thursday.

The meeting was also attended by the DGP, commissioners, and other officers of the home, OBC & SC, tribal affairs & hills, and law departments.

The SC&ST PoA Act seeks to prevent offences against members of the communities by criminalising discriminatory behaviours and acts of violence.

Similarly, the Protection of Civil Rights Act outlaws practices such as untouchability, ensuring that SCs and STs enjoy the full range of civil rights guaranteed under Article 17 of the Constitution of India (Abolition of Untouchability). Various issues were discussed during the meeting, including the functioning and strengthening of the SC/ST Protection Cell at the state police HQ and the special police stations for registering offences under these Acts, the functioning and strengthening of the judicial machinery, such as special courts and exclusive special courts for speedy trials of offenses registered under these Acts, relief and rehabilitation of atrocity victims, incentives for inter-caste marriages, generating awareness among the public, and training and sensitisation of public officials.

During the meeting, the chief secretary emphasised on implementation of these Acts in letter and spirit and said that the home department would be the appropriate department to coordinate the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) related to these Acts, as coordination for prosecution of cases would be easier for the home department.

He also directed the TA & Hills Department to submit the annual reports to the Ministry at the earliest, while informing that a review meeting on the implementation of these Acts would be held every three months.

Highlighting the importance of these Acts in maintaining the social fabric of India, Dr Vineet stressed the importance of cooperation between the various stakeholder departments, police, and district administration for effective implementation of the provisions enshrined in these Acts.

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