Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently chaired a crucial meeting of the State-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee to ensure the effective implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

During the meeting held on September 22, Dhami directed officials to expedite the resolution of pending cases under the Act. He emphasised the need for a systematic review of cases registered under the Act since 2024, which are still under investigation.

The Chief Minister stressed that officials must identify and address the reasons for delays in these investigations. He called for a proactive approach that involves collaboration among the police, administrative authorities, and prosecution departments, especially in serious and long-standing cases. This collective effort is expected to facilitate quicker hearings and resolutions in cases of significant violations.

Focus on Victim Support and Relief

During the meeting, Dhami underscored the importance of promptly disbursing prescribed relief to victims of atrocities. Officials were directed to conduct a separate review of cases where relief payments have been delayed, ensuring that all affected families receive comprehensive assistance. The Chief Minister highlighted that such support should cover areas like healthcare, education, security, and rehabilitation under applicable government schemes.

Dhami also emphasised the need to protect the safety of victims and their families in sensitive cases. He specifically mentioned that the educational needs of children from affected families should not be disrupted, urging that eligible children be connected with available scholarship and educational assistance programmes. The government’s commitment to providing financial support aims to alleviate the challenges faced by victims.

According to reports from the Social Welfare Department, the state has established provisions for financial assistance to victims under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This assistance is provided at various stages based on the nature of the offence, demonstrating the state’s ongoing efforts to support those affected.

Accountability and Training Initiatives

The Chief Minister called for enhanced accountability among senior officials in every district for the oversight of cases filed under the Act. He recommended regular training sessions for police personnel to ensure proper investigations are conducted, especially in sensitive cases, and to guarantee respectful interactions with victims. Such training aims to improve the overall handling of cases and enhance the understanding of the Act among law enforcement personnel.

Furthermore, Dhami instructed the Social Welfare, Police, and Prosecution departments to collaborate in organising refresher training programmes. He advocated for the development of a digital monitoring system to track the progress of investigations, court hearings, relief disbursements, and additional support. This technological advancement is intended to increase efficiency and transparency in the management of these cases.

In his directive, the Chief Minister recognised the need for more targeted reviews in districts where performance in investigating cases, resolving them, or distributing relief was deemed unsatisfactory. He suggested that successful strategies employed by better-performing districts should be shared to enhance overall efficacy.

Awareness Campaigns and Ongoing Support

To ensure the provisions of the Act are well-known, Dhami called for extensive awareness campaigns, particularly in rural and remote areas. These campaigns aim to inform potential victims about their legal rights and the assistance available to them, thereby fostering a more informed community. He also highlighted that the decisions made during the meeting should be accountable and have clear timelines for implementation.

As of September 2026, a total of 116 cases have been recorded under the SC/ST Atrocities Act since January 1, 2026, with 25 cases currently under investigation. The meeting revealed that financial assistance totalling Rs 228.71 lakh was provided to 205 victims during 2024-25, followed by Rs 143.16 lakh to 127 victims in 2025-26, and Rs 99.528 lakh to 104 victims as of September 18, 2026. Regular meetings at both state and district levels have been conducted to monitor the situation.

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