SC Commission flags rise in caste discrimination cases, seeks report on Chiyog school incident
Shimla, July 28
Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Scheduled Castes on Tuesday expressed concern over recurring incidents of alleged caste discrimination in the state, saying it has intervened in several cases involving Scheduled Caste victims and has sought a report on the latest incident at Chiyog School in Shimla district.
Addressing a review meeting at Bachat Bhawan, Commission Chairman Kuldeep Kumar Dhiman said the Commission had taken serious note of allegations that students refused to eat food because it had been prepared by a Dalit girl at Chiyog School. He said reports have been sought from the Education Department and district administration and action would be recommended against those found responsible.
Dhiman said untouchability remains a social evil despite stringent legal safeguards and asserted that the Commission acts swiftly whenever complaints of caste discrimination or atrocities against Scheduled Castes are received.
Referring to recent interventions, he said the Commission had personally visited Rohru after the death of a 12-year-old child, where caste-based discrimination was alleged. Finding lapses in the investigation, the Commission recommended action, following which the Station House Officer was suspended.
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He also cited the Sainj case, where a Scheduled Caste woman working as a seamstress was allegedly raped and murdered. According to Dhiman, the case was initially treated as a suicide during the police investigation. After the Commission intervened and directed that the case be examined from all possible angles, members of the investigating team were suspended for negligence, and the probe was subsequently reoriented.
“The Commission will not allow the constitutional and legal rights of Scheduled Caste communities to be compromised,” Dhiman said, adding that public representatives and social organisations serve as the Commission’s “eyes and ears” by promptly reporting incidents of discrimination.
Commission member Dr. Vijay Dogra said complaints received from social organisations are taken up on priority and the Commission also reviews the implementation of welfare schemes and the utilization of funds earmarked for Scheduled Caste communities.
The Commission said it would closely monitor the Chiyog School case and ensure appropriate action after receiving reports from the concerned authorities. It also called for stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting caste discrimination and untouchability.
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