CM orders quick compensation

Metro India News | Hyderabad : Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to release compensation to victims of sexual assault belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities through the ‘Green Channel’ without delay. The Chief Minister issued the directions at a meeting of the State-level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee on the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, held at the Secretariat on Tuesday.

The meeting of the State-level High-Power Vigilance and Monitoring Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister was held, reportedly for the first time since the formation of Telangana.

The committee reviewed the implementation of the Act, cases registered, investigations, trial proceedings, disposal of cases, and the assistance and rehabilitation extended to victims so far.

Revanth Reddy said the government was responding to incidents of sexual assault involving SC and ST victims on humanitarian grounds. He also highlighted various welfare programmes being implemented for the socio-economic uplift of the two communities, including the supply of fine rice and nutritious food to Dalit and tribal families.

The Chief Minister said the government was drawing inspiration from the ideals of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and allocating funds in proportion to the population of different communities.

He said SCs accounted for 31 per cent of the beneficiaries of the Indiramma housing scheme, while 17 per cent of the houses were sanctioned to ST beneficiaries.

Revanth Reddy said the government was providing breakfast to 27.5 lakh students from nursery to Class XII across the State.

Recalling former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s contribution, Revanth Reddy said she had distributed assigned land titles covering 25 lakh acres to SC and ST communities, who regarded her as their beloved ‘Indiramma’.

The Chief Minister emphasised that education was the key to transforming lives and said the problems faced by marginalised communities could not be addressed unless they were provided access to quality education.

Revanth Reddy appealed to SC and ST communities to encourage their children to pursue education and take part in sports.

“Let us work towards the development of these communities, rising above politics,” he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar, Government Advisor Shabbir Ali, MPs -- Mallu Ravi, Balaram Naik, and Kadiyam Kavya; MLAs Thota Laxmikantha Rao, Medipalli Satyam, Kavvampalli Satyanarayana, Vemula Veeresham, Mandula Samuel, Matta Ragamayi, Vedma Bojju, and Murali Naik; MLC Gorati Venkanna; Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and DGP CV Anand and Chairpersons and members of the SC/ST Commissions; and senior officials were present in the meeting.