HYDERABAD: Any private institution dependent on the government should provide quota for scheduled castes in their organisation, P.L.Punia, chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), has said and added that he would soon meet the Prime Minister on the issue.
Addressing a news conference here today, Punia, who recently took over as the chairman of the SC commission expressed disappointment over the attitude of the private players. He said:“Some private companies depend on the government for loans, funds and for other support. But when they are asked to follow the government model of SC reservation while employing, they try to evade it.” The chairman who held meetings with the state government officials on the issues of SCs, admitted to the fact that funds meant for the welfare of the SCs were being diverted for other purposes.
“These funds should only be used for the development of the SCs. But many of these funds are being used for other works . Our commission is scrutinising the details of the funds and in future we will also ensure there are used in a proper way,'' he said.
Reacting to a query, on the demand for classification of Scheduled Castes, Punia said he had received representation on the matter. The matter will be discussed in the Commission along with the vice-chairman and three other members and the Commission will take a view after a detailed deliberation.
"We in the Commission will study it (demand) and make necessary recommendations to the Centre after appropriately reviewing the matter," Punia said.
Expressing concern over high pendency of cases and low conviction rate under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Andhra Pradesh, Punia stressed the need to sensitise prosecution officers to improve the situation.
"Large number of cases of atrocities which have been reported are still pending for investigation. Though, there is a rise in number of atrocity cases every year, but chargesheeted cases are less than closed cases," he said.
Acquittals are very high, running into thousands, whereas convictions are only in hundreds, Punia said.
Laxity on the part of prosecution has to be plugged by ensuring disposal of cases in special courts in shortest possible time, he said adding they had suggested for giving training and special refresher course to prosecution officers and to sensitise them on the needs of the deprived sections of the society.
“This is one area which requires attention and I have pointed it out," Punia added.