The Prime Minister has expressed serious concern over atrocities against Scheduled Castes and stressed the need for implementing existing laws for their protection in letter and spirit. Delivering his inaugural address at the Conference of State Ministers of Welfare and Justice, Dr. Singh said it was imperative that the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 are implemented.“Although successive governments have made progressive laws, which protect the basic rights and dignity of those who are disadvantaged in one way or the another, the real question is how to implement and enforce these laws effectively,” the Prime Minister said.
He said there is a “substantial gap” between the statutory requirements and the compliance of these laws in the states and the machinery for effective implementation of the two Acts in the states should be geared up.
Dr Manmohan Singh called the manual scavanging as one of the darkest blots on our development process. "Today, I would like you to pledge that this scourge will be eliminated from every corner of our country in the next six months. The conversion of dry latrines must be completed once and for all," he told the State Ministers.
The Prime Minister also said the government was considering expanding its pilot scheme “Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana” for integrated development of villages which have a large Scheduled Caste presence. The Centre has launched the scheme on a pilot basis in five states of Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu for integrated development of 1000 villages.
“Ensuring equitable development of all sections of society and especially the weaker sections is central to the government’s agenda of inclusive growth,” the Prime Minister noted. He described the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan as a “strategic measure” to address the development gap between the SCs and the general population and said state governments must prepare and implement the SCSP with all sincerity so that benefits actually goes to those for whom they are intended.
Singh also said that the government intends to bring a new law for the disabled population. Noting that various initiatives are being taken to address concerns of persons with disabilities, the Prime Minister said, "but I do recognize that we have to do much more in this regard."
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