Uttarakhand has a history of communal harmony which the State Government is committed to maintain. The State was not influenced by the recent riots in neighbouring area of Uttar Pradesh, said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna while participating in the National Integration Council meet held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday.
Stating that the local administration and peace committees had done noteworthy work for maintaining communal harmony here, the CM suggested the creation of
special courts to deal with communal-riot related cases.
Bahuguna said that the Uttarakhand Government had taken several steps in the State to maintain communal harmony and ensure the security of the minorities. A minority vigilance cell had been set up in the State’s police headquarters and any complaint by a member of the minority was handed over for investigation by a gazetted police officer. Several peace committees had been set up in the districts that worked in close coordination with the police and the local administration to maintain a feeling of brotherhood.
The CM expressed concern at the use of social media in spreading communal tension. Pointing out that although law and order was a state subject, communication was under the charge of the Centre, therefore state governments could not act directly against social networking sites for their misuse. He sought financial and technical assistance for monitoring misuse of social networking sites.
He averred that the Uttarakhand Government had taken several measures for the welfare and empowerment of minorities, Scheduled
Castes-Tribes and women. A separate department and ministry had been constituted for Minority Welfare.
There had been a steep decline in cases of atrocities against SC and ST sections. A new scheme had been launched titled ‘Nirbhaya’ to provide medical and legal help, counseling and rehabilitation in cases of atrocities against women. It had been decided to provide public transport ‘only for women’ and four working women’s hostels.
Girls who had passed class VIII were being provided bicycles and financial assistance. FDs of Rs 5000, each, were being provided to the first two daughters of every family. Principal secretary, Home, Om Prakash also representated the State in the NIC meet.