Implementation of Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Amendment Act, 2015
a. Removal of Untouchability
Effective steps are being taken by the Government to abolish untouchability and prevent atrocities against Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes. For this purpose, the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and Amendment Act, 2015, Prevention of Atrocities Rules, 1995 and Amended Rules, 2016 have been enacted by the Government of India and are being implemented effectively in our State. The above said Amendment Act, 2015 and Amendment Rules, 2016 came into force on 01.01.2016 and 14.04.2016 respectively.
The Social Justice and Human Rights wing, under the control of the Additional Director General of Police with its headquarters at Chennai is implementing these Acts and Rules very effectively.
The functions of the Social Justice & Human Rights wing are (i) to supervise the registration, investigation and filing of cases under these two Acts (ii) to act as a Protection Cell for Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes.
b. Exclusive Special Courts
Exclusive Special Courts have been established for the speedy disposal of cases registered under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act.
The Government have established 6 exclusive Special Courts functioning in Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Villupuram and Sivagangai Districts for the trial of the cases registered under these Acts. Further, in G.O (Ms) No. 334, Home (Courts-II) Department, Dated: 06.04.2017, Administrative sanction was accorded for the creation of 16 Exclusive Special Courts in 16 Districts viz., Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukottai, Kancheepuram, Perambalur, Theni, Thiruppur, Thiruvannamalai, Vellore, Thiruvarur, Tuticorin, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Cuddalore and Namakkal Districts in 4 phases from 2016-2017 to 2020-2021. Accordingly, 12 Exclusive Special Courts in Dindigul, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukottai, Cuddalore, Namakkal, Theni, Thiruvannamalai, Perambalur,Vellore, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari districts. In all other districts, the existing Session Courts have been empowered for trial of these cases.
The District Social Justice and Human Rights Wing monitors the implementation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 in all the police stations in the State under the supervision of Additional Director General of Police and Assistant Inspector General of Police at State level, 31 Deputy Superintendent of Police and 7 Assistant Commissioners of police at District level.
Under Rule 17(1), of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules,1995, the State Government has constituted District Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committees in each district headed by the District Collector concerned with five official and non-official members. The District Collectors are also empowered to nominate a person who has the right attitude and understanding of the problems of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as member. The District Level Committee shall meet atleast once in every three months to review the implementation of the provisions of these Acts, monitor the relief and rehabilitation facilities provided to the victims and review the progress of the cases registered under these Acts at the district level. Further, a State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to review and monitor the implementation of these Acts.
(c) Campaign for the removal of Untouchability
“Manitha Neya Vara Vizha” is celebrated in all the districts from 24th to 30th January every year for creating awareness among the people against untouchability. A sum of Rs.50,000/- at district level and Rs.1,00,000/- at state level are being provided for conducting “Manitha Neya Vara Vizha” every year.
Publicity is made through Villupattu Artists about the evils of untouchability.
Besides, Community feasts are also arranged every year on 26th January, 15th August, 2nd October and on any other important local holiday in the districts. Voluntary organisations are involved in arranging the Samabandhi Virundhu.
In order to sensitize the provisions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act,1989 and the amendmends thereon special training has been imparted to the Revenue officials and other officials through Anna Institute of Management. The District Colectors, being the special officers as per rule 10 of Prevention of Atrocities rules, are organising workshops and awareness centre to educate the persons belonging to Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes about their rights and the protection available to them.
(d) Select Village Scheme
A sum of Rs.10 lakh is being sanctioned for providing infrastructure facilities to the selected village in all Districts (except Chennai) where untouchability is not practiced and people are living in harmony.