Atrocities on SCs & STs worry LS
The atrocities being perpetrated against those belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes evoked the concern of Lok Sabha MPs in the House on Thursday as they spoke during a discussion on the subject in the House. BJP’s deputy leader of the House Gopinath Munde, who initiated the debate. alleged that even though money was allocated for the welfare of SCs and STs, it often did not reach them.
Mr Munde lamented that despite 64 years of the country’s independence, dalits and adivasis continue to face atrocities. He even noted that had they not been given reservations, they would not even have been able to make it to Parliament.
He also noted that despite the special law which was enacted to protect SCs and STs from atrocities, it hasn’t had much much impact at the ground-level. Not only are cases often not registered under this law but even the cases are not pursued with vigour by the government, he alleged.
He demanded special fast-track courts to try cases registered under the law to prevent atrocities against SCs/STs.
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Nod to bill on integrated checkposts
Age correspondent
New Delhi
Aug. 19: The Parliament on Thursday passed a bill paving the way for establishment of integrated checkposts (ICP), housing airport-like all modern facilities, at the entry and exit points on the international land borders.
With the passage of the Land Ports Authority of India Bill, 2010, earlier passed by the Lok Sabha, the Centre seeks to establish the Land Ports Authority of India to undertake construction, management and maintenance of the ICPs.
The authority would plan, develop, construct, manage and maintain the integrated checkposts.
The authority, to be in place soon, will also regulate the functions of various agencies working at such checkposts, coordinate with various ministries and departments of the government and other agencies for regulating the entry and exit of passengers and goods.
Minister of state for home Ajay Maken said in the Rajya Sabha that it was an “innovative and institutional” arrangement and is being done for the first time in the country.
He said in the first phase, 6 such ICPs will be established.
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