Chandrababu Naidu directs officials to fast-track SC/ST atrocity cases

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to expedite investigations into SC/ST atrocity cases and ensure speedy punishment for the guilty. He also ordered a study of the relatively high number of cases reported in four districts

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday directed officials to expedite the investigation of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to ensure that the guilty are punished at the earliest.

The Chief Minister made it clear that the system should function in a manner that prevents misuse of the law while ensuring that those who commit offences are duly punished, according to an official press release.

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“Expedite the investigation of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases to ensure punishment to the guilty at the earliest,” the release quoted Naidu as saying.

A state-level high-power committee meeting on the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the welfare of these communities was held at the Chief Minister’s camp office.

Naidu called for a special study into the relatively high number of atrocity cases against SCs and STs reported in Guntur, Anantapur, East Godavari and Prakasam districts.

He directed officials to examine not only the number of cases but also their nature, the reasons behind them and the time taken for their disposal. He also called for measures to ensure their speedy resolution.

Naidu expressed dissatisfaction over 131 district-level meetings that are still pending and directed officials to understand the problems faced by SCs and STs at the grassroots level and take appropriate measures to address them.

As two and a half decades have passed since the Justice Punnayya Commission submitted its report, the Chief Minister ordered a comprehensive study of the conditions prevailing at that time and the changes that have taken place since then, the release said.

He stressed that all departments should work in coordination to ensure not only the economic empowerment of SCs and STs but also to build their confidence.

Naidu called for efforts to achieve inclusive growth with the participation of all sections of society.

He stressed the need to give special attention to the education of students from SC and ST communities and prepare them to compete for admission to prestigious institutions such as IITs and IIMs.

The Chief Minister criticised certain political parties for allegedly creating controversies over positive initiatives, claiming that they were doing so with the intention of preventing SC and ST students from pursuing education and progressing in life.

Naidu said the government was spending substantial amounts on the development of Dalits and added that effective utilisation of welfare programmes could further improve their living standards. He called upon public representatives to give special attention to the advancement of SCs and STs.

Naidu directed the SC/ST finance corporations to undertake large-scale employment generation programmes.

He also instructed officials to fully utilise opportunities to increase the incomes of tribal communities in agency areas through commercial crops such as coffee and forest produce.

The Chief Minister directed officials to implement a Net Zero policy in SC and ST student hostels and stressed that, alongside education, special attention should be paid to students’ health and infrastructure.

He said the government would focus on developing skills among SC and ST youth so they could secure employment opportunities both locally and abroad.

Naidu alleged that the previous government had weakened the SC and ST corporations and claimed that the coalition government had revived them after assuming office.