Question : ATROCITIES AGAINST SCS AND STS

(a) Where the cases of atrocities against SCs and STs are on rise in the country;

(b) if so, the total number of such cases reported and action taken against accused during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise and crime-wise including murder;

(c) the total number of such cases solved/unsolved and action taken to solve all the cases during the said period, State-wise;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to provide financial assistance to the victims;

(e) whether the Government proposes to strengthen the relevant provision of the criminal laws to provide speedy trial and justice in such cases; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (c): As per information provided by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), a total of 30031, 33615,and 33597 cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes were registered during 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. A total of 5532, 5582 and 5425 cases of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes were registered during 2007 to 2009. The State/UT-wise details of the cases registered, cases charge sheeted, persons arrested and persons convicted during 2007-2009 are at Annexure-I & II.

(d) to (f): A comprehensive Advisory was issued to all the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations on 01.04.2010 by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The advisory has enumerated various steps, viz; vigorous and conscientious enforcement of the statutory provisions and the existing legislations; sensitizing the law enforcement machinery towards crimes against SCs/STs by way of well-structured training programmes. Conferences and seminars etc.; improving general awareness about legislations on crimes against SCs/STs; no delay in the registration of FIR in cases of crimes against SCs/STs; identification of atrocity-prone areas for taking preventive measures; and adequate measures for the economic and social rehabilitation of the victims of atrocities etc.

As per the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India “Police” and “Public Order’ are State subjects and, as such the primary responsibility of prevention, detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of crime, including crime against SCs and STs, lies with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, Government of India is committed to prevent and combat crimes against vulnerable sections of the society, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs and STs).

As per input provided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, a High Power Committee for effective co-ordination to devise ways and means to curb offences of untouchability and atrocities against SCs/STs and for effective implementation of protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes Act, 1989 is functioning under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment. SC/ST Protection Cells have also been set up in many of the States; Special Courts have been established in major States for speedy trial of cases; Special Police Stations for registration of complaints regarding offences against SCs and STs have also been set up.