Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 23: “Any victim or affected person can approach the SC/ ST Commission, seek justice, and the department will have a review of DC ‘Manna’ land,” assured K Basanna Chalavadi, chairman, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Commission, at a public meeting held on Tuesday June 23 at the Zilla Panchayat meeting hall, Manipal.
After 15 long years, the Commission conducted a public meeting in the district.
Speaking at the public meeting, he said, “The roster of lands, misuse of land granted to Dalits, and misuse of 24.1 percent of SC/ST reservation funds by officials in the district are some issues. According to the 2006 Act, the court can punish them for six months. The Commission will take necessary action against illegal acts. A committee was established in the year 2003 and there were 2,036 appeals with the Commission before I took charge. Nearly 61 cases have been dissolved within six months.”
Nearly 82 cases were received in this meeting. There are cases regarding prevention of atrocities which are still pending in the SC/ ST special court.
Ganesh, a member of the Koraga community said, “Practice of untouchability still exists in corners of the society,” and pleaded for permanent employment for CMC contract workers who have been working for 25 years.
A woman complained that one of the Muslim families was polluting their public well in Handadi grama panchayat but police are putting pressure on SC/ ST community people instead of taking action against the Muslim family. She alleged that about 15 SC/ ST families are using this well for their daily needs.
Ramesh Kotian, DSS leader, urged provision of compensation to the family of Rajitha who was murdered at Kadekar. “Now her sister Ashwini needs protection and her family needs basic shelter,” he added.
Uday Kumar Thallur demanded that SC/ST representatives and media persons be allowed quarterly meetings and the installation of a new Ambedkar statue at the DC office.
He alleged that the Kundapur Tahsildar was imposing cases on poor people who fight against corruption and governmental officials who are working in favour of a strong community. The leaders collectively urged stern action against Kundapur Tahsildar and his illegal activities.
The DSS community demanded justice for Laxmi, a worker of the social welfare department, who was sexually assaulted and has also been denied promotion. Sundar Master, convener of the state organization, demanded sanctioning of Rs 10 crore for an Ambedkar Bhavan.
District commissioner R Vishal gave timely suggestions. Padma, executive president, SC/ ST Commission, Kanagavalli, district CEO, Premnath, and various other leaders were present.