During 2014 & 2015, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) received 29034 cases. Out of these, 7152 cases have been disposed off and 21882 cases are still pending as on 01.03.2015.
The disposal of these cases depends on the nature and gravity of complaints and also on the response of public authorities who are entrusted with ensuring that the rights as guaranteed in the Constitution of India regarding Scheduled Castes are safeguarded. Tardy or no response from the concerned public authorities leads to pendency.
As per mandate of the Commission under Article 338(8) of the Constitution, though the Commission has all the powers of Civil Courts trying a suit like a Civil Court, yet the Commission has only recommendatory function, which the Public authorities may choose not to implement, which is another reason for the pendency.
Steps being taken by NCSC to clear the pendency are as under:-
• Holding of meetings in Divisional headquarters in the States to review the action taken by the authorities in the districts concerned and on the spot recommendation and disposal of the cases;
• Review of the cases pending for more than one year and strict monitoring and follow up of such cases; and
• Increasing the number and frequency of the hearings held by Hon’ble Members(NCSC) in charge of the States.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Vijay Sampla in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha here today.
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RTS/ASB
(Release ID :119879)