SCs and STs will now be eligible for compensation for atrocities committed by extremists against them as the government has added four new categories apart from the existing 22 for cash relief and rehabilitation to SC, ST victims and their dependents.
Atrocities on SCs, STs committed by unidentified persons, extremists, those who die in police firing and also in political clashes and arson will now be eligible for compensation and rehabilitation. The compensation package has also been hiked by 150 per cent as per the direction of the central government and it will now range from Rs 40,000 to Rs 5 lakh depending on the severity of the case.
SC/ST attacks: 5,074 cases filed in state in 2010
In view of the state’s decision to provide compensation for SCs and STs under four more categories, J. Raymond Peter, principal secretary, social welfare department, said, “The GoI has advised the state government to enhance relief and rehabilitation measures under various sections of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989.”
AP ranks next only to Rajasthan and Uttar Prade-sh in the number of atrocities committed against SCs and STs. As many as 5,074 cases have been filed in the state as against 38,449 booked under the Act in the country in 2010. The conviction rate in AP, meanwhile, is 13 per cent from 2008-10, compared to the national average of 31 per cent.
As per the new compensation package, the kin of victi-ms (earning member) will get Rs 5 lakh each for 100 per cent incapacitation or murder with 75 per cent of the amount to be paid after the post-mortem and balance 25 per cent on conviction by a lower court. The amount will be Rs 2.5 lakh for non-earning members. For outraging the modes-ty of a woman, committing offences under the IPC punishable with imprisonment for a term of 10 years or more, the victim will get a compensation of Rs 1.20 lakh.