NEW DELHI: The NHRC has issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government after taking cognizance of reports that caste details had been stamped on the chests of candidates aspiring for the post of police constable during their medical examination at a Dhar district hospital.
“The Commission has observed that the contents of media reports, carried on 30th April, 2018, if true, indicate discriminatory and derogatory treatment meted out to candidates belonging to the reserved categories. Such despicable act on the part of the authorities cannot be tolerated under any circumstances in a civilised society, as it is tantamount to violation of rights to equality and dignity,” the notice said.
The state Chief Secretary and the DGP have been asked to respond to the notices in four weeks. They have been asked to submit a detailed report along with action taken against errant officials.
Earlier, photographs of newly recruited constables with markings of ‘SC’, ‘ST’, ‘OBC’ on their chests at the Dhar hospital on April 29 went viral and stirred a controversy, with political leaders, including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, accusing the Centre of a casteist mindset.
“The BJP government’s casteist approach has stabbed the country in the chest. By writing SC/ST on the chest of MP’s youths, it has attacked the Constitution,” Rahul had tweeted.
Reports said the officers had used the labels to segregate recruits and ensure they were given the benefit of relaxation in selection norms. Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Bhupendra Singh has ordered a probe.