Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs)
September 16 , 2021 1170 days 11078 0
The Chief Minister Stalin tabled a bill (called The Tamil Nadu State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 2021) to set up panel for SC/ST members.
It will have the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
It will have a chairperson, a vice-chairperson and five other members.
Three of them will be from SCs, two from STs and a woman member.
The commission will inquire, Suo moto or on a petition presented to it by a victim or any person on his/her behalf.
It will enquire the complaints of violation of any right provided under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The National Commission for the SCs and STs will prevail over the yet to be set up state commission.
The commission can recommend action against public servants who are negligent in preventing such violations.
The commission is expected to investigate and monitor safeguards present in various legislations, in the interest of SC/STs and promote awareness of the same.
The state government will consult the commission on policy matters related to the community.
The commission will also carry out research work to avoid discrimination.