Deputy Commissioner urged timely police investigations, strict action, and Women and Child Development support for victims needing legal and counseling assistance
GADAG
Deputy Commissioner C. N. Sridhara chaired the district-level SC/ST Atrocities Control Committee meeting at the District Administration Building on Thursday and stressed that preventing violence is the shared responsibility of every department and citizen. He said the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act must be implemented effectively and not remain only on paper. Police and administration should build confidence among victims rather than fear, he added.
The Social Welfare Department presented details on the number of cases registered in recent months, the status of investigations, charge sheets filed, and cases under trial. Reviewing delays in certain cases, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the police to complete investigations within the legal timeframe and ensure strict action so that it sends a strong message. He also asked the Women and Child Development Department to support victims with legal help and counseling, especially those hesitant to file complaints.
Sridhara said people should be educated about the Act, complaint procedures, and available support systems. Schools and colleges must hold programs to promote constitutional values and discourage caste discrimination. The committee suggested displaying emergency contact numbers prominently in police stations, tahsildar offices, and social welfare offices.
He directed that violence control meetings be held in every taluk and asked social welfare officials to take action. He also said essential services such as housing, education, healthcare, and other facilities should reach eligible SC/ST beneficiaries promptly. The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to clear and clean the cemetery land at Hombala Naka and arrange proper lighting. Departments must ensure that no facility is misused.
Officials were warned to attend all committee meetings on time and show seriousness in their duties. Representatives and officers from various departments, including municipal, welfare, health, and labor departments, attended the meeting.