Punjab State Scheduled Caste Commission on Friday asked the State police chief to review the pending cases of atrocities against Dalits on monthly basis. The panel has also asked the state Welfare Department to bring to book people involved in procuring fake SC certificates.
The instructions were issued by the Commission chairman Rajesh Bagha during the meeting to review various welfare schemes being implemented by the Government for the welfare of schedule caste.
Spokesperson said that the Director General of Police (DGP) informed the Commission that out of total 26 complaints of atrocities inflicted upon the SCs during the Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections, 18 complaints have been redressed.
Similarly, out of total 268 registered cases, police has completed inquiries in 55 and these cases have been closed, while chargesheets have been filed in another 83 cases.
Bagha asked the Police department to review the pending cases on monthly basis so that the justice can be delivered to the poor.
The State Welfare Department Director appraised the Commission about schemes being implemented for the social educational and economical development of the SC and BCs.
It was told that the Punjab Government has increased the monetary assistance under Aashirwad Scheme, which was earlier Shagun, from Rs 15,000 to Rs 21,000 provided to the girls of a poor family during their marriage whose annual family income is not more than Rs 32,790.
Joint Director Welfare appraised that out of total 17 complaints received regarding fake SC certificates, 14 complaints have been redressed.
Commission instructed the officers to complete the investigation in remaining cases on priority basis, adding that culprits, who have been found guilty of procuring fake SC certificates, must be brought to the book.