Hyderabad: The Telangana SC/ST Commission has raised concerns over gaps in the delivery of welfare schemes and constitutional protections for Scheduled Castes, calling for stricter monitoring, better coordination among departments and time-bound action on issues affecting SC communities.In its report covering 2023-26, the commission, headed by chairperson Bakki Venkataiah, observed that several welfare measures meant for SC communities were not fully reaching intended beneficiaries. It recommended closer monitoring at the district and field levels and stronger coordination among departments to improve implementation.
A key focus of the report was the handling of cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The commission urged police and revenue authorities to deal with victims more sensitively, ensure transparent investigations, and take prompt action. It also stressed that compensation and other statutory relief must reach victims without delay.The commission recommended establishing special courts for SC/ST atrocity cases in all 33 districts, noting that inadequate court infrastructure was contributing to delays in case disposal and denying timely relief to victims.Landlessness among SC families was identified as another major concern. The report called for effective implementation of land distribution schemes for eligible landless SC and ST families, along with measures to support their economic rehabilitation. It also sought speedy resolution of land-related grievances brought before the commission.On education, the commission flagged delays in fee reimbursement and urged timely release of funds to prevent disruptions in students’ education. It also recommended strengthening residential educational institutions and hostels and ensuring adequate facilities for students.The report further highlighted delays in self-employment schemes, stating that beneficiaries were often affected by slow disbursal of financial assistance. It called for tighter monitoring of welfare programmes and greater accountability among implementing agencies.The commission also emphasised that funds earmarked for SC/ST welfare should be utilised only for their intended purpose and that diversion or delayed utilisation of such funds must be prevented. It sought enhanced coordination between welfare departments, district administrations and police authorities in addressing grievances of SC/ST communities.
Source link
