Bhiwani district in Haryana reports the highest number of crime cases against Schedule Caste population, while Panchkula has reported the lowest, according to the latest data released by Haryana government.
As per 2011 census report, there are 20.17 percent (around 40 lakh) Scheduled Caste (SC) population in Haryana.
Statistics reveals that the acts of violence against Scheduled Caste people have risen not just in terms of numbers, but also in intensity. A total of 303 cases have been registered under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 in Bhiwani for the last five years. For the same period, Faridabad reports 285 such cases being registered, while these figures for Hisar and Rotak were 280 and 243, respectively. The data was tabled in the Monsoon Session of Haryana Assembly recently.
Meanwhile, the Haryana Social Justice and Empowerment and Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes (independent charge) Krishan Kumar Bedi has recently said, “I have directed the Police Department to promptly register cases of atrocities, if any, committed against members belonging to Scheduled Caste. Such cases should be given top priority as these call for immediate action.”
The minister further said that there are stringent provisions in the law to protect dalits so nobody can dare to harass them on the name of caste. The state government is ensuring the effective implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, he said, adding all the necessary steps are being taken to prevent and curb atrocities on members of Scheduled Caste by enforcing in right earnest the provisions of SC/ST Act, 1989.
On the condition of anonymity, a senior department officer said that when the report regarding an atrocity committed on any member of Scheduled Caste is received, criminal case is registered and prompt action against the accused is taken under relevant sections of SC/ST Act 1989, apart from relevant sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Moreover, a special cell has been set up at Police Headquarters, Panchkula to deal with the crime against Scheduled Castes in the State, he said, adding relief ranging from Rs 85, 000 to RS 8.25 lakh is being provided to the members belonging to SCs who become victims of atrocities under SC/ST Act.
Moreover, as per study report, when it comes to caste violence, Haryana has a dismal record. It shows lack of action on the part of police department. Among the districts where maximum number of cases were registered in the last five years under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, included Bhiwani with 303 cases followed by Faridabad 285. Moreover, Jind and Kaithal report 186 such cases in the past nearly 5 years. 92 such cases were registered in Ambala, 101 in Charkhi Dadri, 122 in Fatehabad, 17 in GRP, 77 in Hansi, 130 in Jhajhar, 159 in Karnal, 130 in Kurukshetra, 125 in Mewat, 181 in Narnaul, 208 in Palwal, 35 in Panchkula, 148 in Panipat, 131 in Rewari, 123 in Sirsa, 93 in Sonepat and 150 in Yamunanagar.
Data shows that there is a wide discrepancy amongst districts in terms of the number of cases reported, with some districts reporting very few cases despite having a large population, while other report a high number of cases despite having a relatively lower population.
A Panchkula based social activist said that since 2014, violence against the Scheduled Caste (SC) has been increasing marginally each year. Four districts include Hisar, Bhiwani, Kaithal and Rewari, where the pendency of cases is reported to be comparatively high.
He said that dalits are no longer dependent on upper castes for a livelihood; in fact, they often compete with them, and even do better. People from upper castes are not ready to see the disadvantages sections asserting themselves. "Unfortunately, there is no social movement to bridge the gap between upper castes and SCs. There is a need to make the political elite including the police establishment answerable to what happens, he added.
Moreover, a senior police officer said that the increase in number of FIRs doesn't necessarily indicate rise in crimes against SCs. "We lodge FIRs as soon as we receive any complaint and ensure a fair probe," he claimed.
A report received from the state government revealed that the financial assistance is provided to the members belonging to Scheduled Castes who become victims of atrocities under the SCs/STs Act. Over 80 persons were assisted with financial assistance of more than Rs 60 lakh in 2016-17. In the year-2018-19, around 700 persons were provided relief of over Rs 9.42 crore.