Patna: (ABN) A meeting of the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, formed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Rule 1995, was held today at the Patna Collectorate, presided over by Dr. Tyagarajan, District Magistrate. The District Magistrate said that the complete prevention of atrocities and providing immediate justice to the victims is the top priority of the administration. He directed all officials to be vigilant, prompt, and committed to this purpose.

The District Magistrate said that the entire administrative machinery is committed to the successful implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989. The Patna district administration is strictly following the principle of zero tolerance against atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. All cases registered under the Act are being given approval, compensation, pension, travel allowance, etc. on a priority basis. Landless families of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are being provided with land. Camps are being organized in areas to provide benefits to these families under various schemes.

The District Welfare Officer, Patna, brought to the notice of the committee members that from January 2025 to date, out of 769 cases, 954 victims have been distributed an amount of over Rs 6.96 crore. The District Magistrate directed the District Welfare Officer to ensure timely payment of compensation to the victims as per the allocated budget. It is noteworthy that in the calendar year 2024, a total amount of Rs 5.98 crore was sanctioned for the payment of compensation to 802 victims.

The District Welfare Officer informed the meeting that currently, 134 pensioners are being paid pensions regularly. The District Magistrate directed the District Welfare Officer to ensure that pension payments are always up-to-date. Pensioners and serious case victims should be paid promptly as per their requirements. The District Magistrate said that the administration has taken all necessary steps to expedite investigations and monitor the resolution of pending cases under the Act and ensure timely distribution of relief grants. Additionally, other benefits under the scheme are being provided within the stipulated time frame.

The District Magistrate said that the Patna district administration widely publicizes the provisions of the Act at police stations, zonal offices, and other public places to ensure that the targeted groups receive the benefits. The District Magistrate said that camps are being organized among the Mahadalit communities in accordance with the state government's directive. In these camps, members of the Mahadalit community are being included under various public welfare schemes.

In today's meeting, the committee member secretary cum District Welfare Officer, Patna, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Ratan, presented a detailed physical and financial report. The District Magistrate reviewed the compliance status of the previous meeting held under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989, Rules 1995, and reviewed the current progress. Cases registered under the Act were reviewed. Detailed discussions were held on physical and financial reports of cases reported by the police, charges filed, arrests made, and compensation payments.

Respected members of the assembly, public representatives, and other members presented their suggestions in the meeting. The District Magistrate said that appropriate action will be taken on the suggestions as per the rules. The District Magistrate said that, as per Rule 15 (1) (d) of the Act, under the provisions laid down by the General Administration Department for employment in government institutions, in Patna district, all eligible dependents have been provided with Group "D" government jobs in the first 11 cases.

All these employees have been posted in various government offices near their homes to avoid any kind of inconvenience. The District Welfare Officer was directed to organize a sensitization and awareness workshop for these employees. He also directed to expedite action on such cases in the future. Under Rule 11(1) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and Rules 1995, witnesses are given travel allowance and daily allowance at a fixed rate for appearing before the Hon'ble Court.

Strong and effective measures are needed to ensure its regular implementation in Patna district.