Dispose off cases of atrocities on SC/STs, says Rao

Shimla, Jul 16 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Rangila Ram Rao today announced the launching a campaign to eradicate social evils from the society and urged the judiciary to dispose of cases of atrocities on SC/STs on prority.

Addressing a seminar on Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and SC/STs Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989, he said his government was taking suitable measures to implement the relevent Acts.

Calling upon the district administration, police and prosecution officers to discharge their duties effectively, he said action would be initiated against those officers who delay disposal of such cases.

Mr Rao also stressed upon publicizing the provisions of the Act besides the Rights of SC/STs by regularly holding seminars in the state, especially in remote areas.

The Himachal Government was committed towards welfare of the weaker sections of the society and was implementing various programmes aimed at their upliftment, he said and added that Rs 197.38 crore were being spent during current financial year on these programmes.

He said social security pension was being provided to 2.12 lakh eligible in the state and added that Rs 54 crore would be spent during the present financial year.

UNI