The State Government will set up three special courts for quick disposal of cases relating to atrocities on SC people. This was decided at a meeting of the Scheduled Castes Welfare Advisory Board chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Friday.
Patnaik said, “Steps have been taken to establish three special courts at Cuttack, Baleswar and Balangir for speedy trial of the pending atrocity cases. The Government has opened 390 legal Aid Cells in the State to provide free legal services to the SC/ST communities. As many as 593 legal Retainers have been appointed in 298 legal Aid Cells.” The board meeting recommended inclusion of five more castes, Kumbhar, Girgiria, Mahara, Radhi and Niari, in the list of SCs.
This was sent to the Ministerial sub-committee for further consideration. The Chief Minister also said, “Monetary relief to the tune of Rs 165.26 lakh has been released so far for payment to 572 SC atrocity victims and Rs 207.81 lakh for payment of cash incentive to 421 inter- caste married couples during the current year.” A total of 155 SC girls’ hostels have been sanctioned under the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana, out of which 135 hostels have been completed so far and the balance 19 are likely to be completed in two months. The Government on Friday decided to construct 55 more 100-seat hostels in 10 coastal districts and in Subarnapur
It was also decided to give uniforms to all students of Classes XI and XII studying in ST/SC Development Department schools. The Government too decided to enhance the post-matric scholarship maintenance allowance to Rs 1,000 per month for SC-ST boarders of Group 2, 3 and 4 categories. In order to bring the SC households to the mainstream, the Government is committed to safeguard their rights and entitlements through strict enforcement of the Central Acts, which seek to remove untouchability and protect the SC/STs against atrocities, injustice and exploitation, Patnaik added. SC/ST Development Minister lal Behari Himirika, member MPs and MlAs, the Chief Secretary, the Development Commissioner and the DG of Police were also present at the meeting.