Andhra Pradesh State Scheduled Castes and Tribes Commission Chairman Karem Sivaji said on Monday that serious action would be taken against officials responsible for the inordinate delay in filing cases and follow-up action regarding atrocities on SCs and STs. He was receiving the petitions from members of the SC/ST forums at the R&B Guest House here.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Sivaji said that it was unfortunate that untouchability was still prevalent in Chittoor district and the lands of the SCs and STs were subjected to encroachments. He said that the Commission would take steps to do justice to the victims. He said steps would also be taken to fill the backlog posts of the SCs and STs.
As the Government has been spending crores of rupees on the uplift of the downtrodden sections, the officials should focus on taking the fruits of development to them. He said that he would work tirelessly to protect the rights of Dalits and Girijans.
Mr. Sivaji, during a review meeting with the heads of various government departments at the ZP meeting hall, sought reports from the officials concerned pertaining to the rule of reservation and existing backlog vacancies in their respective departments. District Revenue Officer Vijay Chander informed the Commission chief that as many as 42 SC/ST cases were registered in the district this year, while compensation to the tune of Rs 7.2 lakh was paid to the victims.
Absence of officials
Mr. Sivaji expressed his displeasure at the absence of the higher authorities of the district, including Collector, Superintendents of Police (Chittoor and Tirupati) at the crucial review meeting concerning the SC/ST welfare. Notice would be sent to the officials concerned seeking explanation on their absence.
