THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Feb 11: The minister of SC, ST and OBC welfare department, government of Jharkhand, Chamra Linda wants the prevention of atrocities more than paying compensation to the victims of the atrocities.
Linda was in Daltonganj today to preside over the two-day Rajkiya Adivasi Vikas Maha Kumbh Mela at Dubiya Kharn about 10 kms away from Daltonganj.
In an interview with the Jharkhand Story correspondent, Linda gave his ‘piece of mind’ on issues related to the welfare of the SC, ST and OBC.
Q: There is no fund for compensation for victims of atrocities here in Palamu. Allotment for rupees 40 lakh is awaited.
Linda: Yes, I have been told. Here allotment is to come. I know this.
Q: Palamu district has little over 9 per cent of the ST population and little over 27 per cent of the SC population. Combined together there is a high incidence of atrocities against the two. How do you see it?
Linda: I am of the strong view that there must be all stress on the prevention of atrocities. Prevent atrocities first. It will pay in the long run. Compensation is no panacea. A victim of atrocities has his or her trauma lifelong. A victim finds life difficult. Let’s put a stop to atrocities. Once atrocities are committed, it leaves a never-ending scar on life. It doesn’t go out of the consciousness of the victim.
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Q: But how to stop or prevent atrocities? It’s no easy task. There are 60 cases under the SC and ST Prevention of Atrocities Act in Palamu.
Linda: We need a dedicated court of law for cases under the PoA (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Let there be formed a separate judgeship for this. Again the SC and ST police station has to be equipped with adequate cops and officers. SC and ST police station shouldn’t be a showcase but it ought to be functional and operational. I believe SC and ST police stations are lying passive. It should be active.
Q: Cases under the PoA languish more. It’s investigation is not done properly. What is your reaction?
Linda: Charges are not framed in time. The result is pendency. Cases of PoA are made to linger on. It’s against the basic rule of justice. A 60 work is dragged into 90 days. This is not fair. My department is very serious about it.
Q: Will your department like to hike the scholarship for students pursuing higher courses?
Linda: Our scholarship is quite reasonable. It’s even one lakh rupees in a few courses. Now let me see if there is any scope for a further hike in the scholarship.
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Q: Your department can bring in a change in lives of the SC, ST and OBC. Right?
Linda: I come from it. I am grateful to Chief Minister Hemant Soren who has so given me such a department where I love working.
Q: Will there be cook for the hostels of the SC and ST across the state?
Linda: Yes, very soon the chief minister Hemant Soren is to launch this cook food basket for the SC and ST hostels pan Jharkhand.
