Prevention of atrocities against SCs, STs: LG-led panel to oversee implementation of law

Srinagar: In a significant development, the administration of Jammu & Kashmir has constituted a high- level panel headed by Lieutenant Governor for overseeing implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the Jammu and Kashmir.
According to an order, a copy of which is in possession of the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the high-power vigilance and monitoring committee will oversee implementation of the law aimed at preventing atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
The committee, as per the order, shall meet at least twice in a calendar year, in the month of January & July to review the implementation of the provisions of the Act, relief & rehabilitation facilities provided to the victims and other matters connected therewith. The panel has also been empowered to review prosecution of cases under the Act, role of different officers/agencies responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act and various reports received by the Jammu & Kashmir government.
As per the order, Parliament Members/Assembly Members belonging to the SC/ST , Advisor incharge, Social Welfare Department, Chief Secretary, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, Principal Secretary ,Home Department, Director General of Police, Principal Secretary , Social Welfare Department and Director/Deputy Director, National Commission for the SC/ST will be members of the panel . The law was enacted in 1989 to prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against the members of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, to provide for special courts for the trial of such offences and for the relief and rehabilitation of the victims