HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 165 : Model Answer

QUESTION: Discuss about the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995. (8 marks/ 120 words)

Answer:

This Act provides for specific provisions to prevent atrocities on the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and suggests State Governments to frame rules for the same. These include identification of areas where atrocity may take place or there is an apprehension of re‐occurrence of an offence under the Act. The State Government is required to set up a “Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Protection Cell” at the state headquarters headed by the Director of Police, Inspector‐General of Police. This Cell is responsible for:

• conducting survey of the identified area;
• maintaining public order and tranquillity in the identified area;
• recommending deployment of special police or establishment of special police post in the identified area; and
• Restoring the feeling of security amongst the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

The protective provisions safeguard tribal people from social injustices and all forms of exploitation, while the developmental provisions promote special care for the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections like the STs and SCs. Further, administrative provisions under the Fifth and Sixth Schedules give special powers to the state for the protection and governance of tribal areas and the reservation provisions ensure due representation in legislative bodies and government jobs.