On May 23, 2025, the 28th Coordination Committee Meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, in New Delhi. The meeting focused on devising strategies to curb offences of untouchability and atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity for vulnerable sections of society.
Key Discussions and Objectives
Enhancing Implementation of Protective Laws
The meeting reviewed critical aspects of the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Discussions centered on improving the charge sheet filing rate in courts, reducing the pendency of cases, and establishing Exclusive Special Courts for faster justice delivery. The status of Vigilance and Monitoring Committees and pending grievances on the National Helpline against Atrocities were also evaluated to address implementation gaps.
| Key Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Charge Sheet Filing | Improving the rate of filing in courts |
| Case Pendency | Reducing backlog in judicial processes |
| Exclusive Special Courts | Establishing dedicated courts for SC/ST cases |
| Vigilance and Monitoring | Regular state and district-level committee meetings |
| National Helpline | Addressing pending grievances efficiently |
Ministerial Directives
Ensuring Accountability and Protection
Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the need for regular State and District-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meetings to ensure effective implementation of the PCR and PoA Acts. He urged state officers to take proactive measures to prevent exploitation of SCs and STs and stressed the establishment of Special Police Stations to handle cases of atrocities. Additionally, he called for strict action against officials neglecting their duties under the PoA Act, reinforcing accountability.
Collaborative Commitment
Unified Efforts for Justice
The meeting saw participation from senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior police officials from States and Union Territories. The collective resolve was to uphold the spirit of the PCR and PoA Acts, ensuring justice for victims of caste-based discrimination and atrocities. The presence of Union Ministers of State, Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Shri B.L. Verma, and Shri Durga Das Uikey, further strengthened the collaborative approach.
Background of the Committee
Origins and Mandate
Established in 2006 following recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Coordination Committee is chaired by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. It includes members from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Tribal Affairs, Law and Justice, National Commissions for SCs and STs, and non-official members. The committee aims to devise strategies to curb atrocities and ensure effective administration of the PCR Act, 1955, and PoA Act, 1989.
Significance for Competitive Exams
For competitive exam aspirants, understanding the Coordination Committee and its role in implementing the PCR and PoA Acts is vital. These topics are frequently covered in exams under current affairs, social justice, and governance, reflecting India’s commitment to protecting marginalized communities and ensuring social equity.
Key Highlights
- The 28th Coordination Committee Meeting was held on May 23, 2025, co-chaired by Dr. Virendra Kumar and Shri Jual Oram.
- Focus areas included improving charge sheet filing rates, reducing case pendency, and establishing Exclusive Special Courts.
- Emphasis on regular Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meetings at state and district levels.
28th Coordination Committee Meeting: Strengthening Measures Against Atrocities on SCs and STs
On May 23, 2025, the 28th Coordination Committee Meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, and Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, in New Delhi. The meeting focused on devising strategies to curb offences of untouchability and atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring dignity for vulnerable sections of society.
Key Discussions and Objectives
Enhancing Implementation of Protective Laws
The meeting reviewed critical aspects of the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Discussions centered on improving the charge sheet filing rate in courts, reducing the pendency of cases, and establishing Exclusive Special Courts for faster justice delivery. The status of Vigilance and Monitoring Committees and pending grievances on the National Helpline against Atrocities were also evaluated to address implementation gaps.
Key Area Focus Charge Sheet Filing Improving the rate of filing in courts Case Pendency Reducing backlog in judicial processes Exclusive Special Courts Establishing dedicated courts for SC/ST cases Vigilance and Monitoring Regular state and district-level committee meetings National Helpline Addressing pending grievances efficiently Ministerial Directives
Ensuring Accountability and Protection
Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized the need for regular State and District-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meetings to ensure effective implementation of the PCR and PoA Acts. He urged state officers to take proactive measures to prevent exploitation of SCs and STs and stressed the establishment of Special Police Stations to handle cases of atrocities. Additionally, he called for strict action against officials neglecting their duties under the PoA Act, reinforcing accountability.
Collaborative Commitment
Unified Efforts for Justice
The meeting saw participation from senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and senior police officials from States and Union Territories. The collective resolve was to uphold the spirit of the PCR and PoA Acts, ensuring justice for victims of caste-based discrimination and atrocities. The presence of Union Ministers of State, Dr. Ramdas Athawale, Shri B.L. Verma, and Shri Durga Das Uikey, further strengthened the collaborative approach.
Background of the Committee
Origins and Mandate
Established in 2006 following recommendations from the Parliamentary Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Coordination Committee is chaired by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment. It includes members from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Tribal Affairs, Law and Justice, National Commissions for SCs and STs, and non-official members. The committee aims to devise strategies to curb atrocities and ensure effective administration of the PCR Act, 1955, and PoA Act, 1989.
Key Highlights
- The 28th Coordination Committee Meeting was held on May 23, 2025, co-chaired by Dr. Virendra Kumar and Shri Jual Oram.
- Discussions focused on improving charge sheet filing rates, reducing case pendency, and establishing Exclusive Special Courts.
- Regular State and District-Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Meetings were emphasized for effective implementation.
- Establishment of Special Police Stations and action against erring officials were highlighted to ensure accountability.
- The committee, formed in 2006, aims to curb atrocities and ensure effective administration of the PCR Act, 1955, and PoA Act, 1989.