The proceedings of the Lok Sabha are underway in the winter session of Parliament on December 18, 2024. Photo Credit: ANI
A parliamentary panel has expressed concern over the failure of several states to establish the necessary mechanisms to effectively address cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs).
Highlighting persistent systemic gaps, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment has recommended that the Central Government actively pursue state governments to implement and strengthen the necessary machinery under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention). Torts) Act, 1989.
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In its report tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (December 18, 2024), the committee noted that despite the absence of financial constraints at the central level, many states have not made available funds or taken necessary steps to address these issues.
The committee stressed that tackling atrocities against Scheduled Castes requires “sincere and coordinated” efforts by state governments backed by central resources.
The report also highlighted the widespread challenges in the implementation of welfare schemes under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. With hurdles such as incomplete documentation, errors in Aadhaar seeding and delays by states in releasing their share of funds, crucial allocations under key programs such as the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes and the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) remained under-utilised.
The panel called for more stringent monitoring mechanisms, including regular reviews by higher authorities and the organization of state-level workshops to address operational gaps.
States like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha were singled out for being consistently slow in utilizing funds and achieving implementation targets.
To ensure accountability, the committee called on the central government to impose strict conditions on the disabled states, asking them to submit accurate and timely proposals to unlock central funds.
This highlights the importance of cooperative federalism, where states must actively contribute their share of resources for the smooth implementation of centrally sponsored schemes.
The panel pointed out the need to improve outreach and awareness about welfare programmes.
It is noted that many eligible beneficiaries are unaware of their rights due to inadequate publicity. The committee has recommended that the Information, Education and Communication (IIC) campaign be expanded and field visits by senior officials to ensure better implementation.
Additionally, the report highlighted the uneven implementation of programs for marginalized groups, such as the SMILE initiative for transgender people and beggars and the Shreyas scheme for SC students for higher education.
It called for expanding the reach of these schemes while addressing procedural delays like those affecting free coaching and fellowship programmes.
Concerns were also raised over the lack of measurable targets for some schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana and the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes and OBCs.
The committee stressed that clear benchmarks and annual targets are important for evaluating their success and recommended increased training and health insurance coverage for sanitation workers under the NAMASTE programme.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the demand-driven nature of many schemes, the committee hoped that better planning, enhanced accountability and closer collaboration between the central and state governments could effectively utilize the ₹13,000 crore allocated for 2024-25. Marginalized communities across India.
published – December 18, 2024 at 05:57 pm IST