WB, Bihar lead in anti-SC atrocities: Comn

Bhopal, Sep 19 (UNI) National SC Commission Vice-Chairman Fakir Bhai Waghela today said West Bengal and Bihar had the dubious distinction of leading other states in atrocities against Scheduled Castes.

''The Commission believes that the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act ought not to be misused but whatever case surfaces should be registered and impartially investigated. It is unfortunate that the lack of witnesses often leads to acquittal,'' he told journalists here.

Pointing out that 5,241 cases regarding SCs were sub-judice, Mr Waghela added that only 238 convictions took place in about 1,000 cases.

''The Commission gathered details regarding SC welfare schemes in West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,'' he explained.

Earlier, while reviewing schemes at Mantralaya, Mr Waghela said their constant evaluation was imperative.

Expressing annoyance over delay in furnishing caste certificates, Commission Member Phool Chand Verma stressed that securing government jobs through fake certificates should be probed.

UNI AG-AC PR PM2047