Question : Open Defecation

(a) the details of the number of persons including children and people belonging to backward classes in particular beaten to death for open defecation during the last three years and the current year in the country, State/UT-wise including Tamil Nadu;

(b) whether such incidents have been increasing year by year across the country;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor, State/UT-wise including Tamil Nadu;

(d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard along with the number of persons arrested and sentenced to jail under this crime; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to curb such cases?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a): Ministry of Home Affairs does not maintain data on number of persons including children and people belonging to backward classes in particular beaten to death for open defecation.

(b) to (d): Do not arise in view of reply to part (a).

(e): ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including children rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

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