AP removing loopholes in SC/ST Atrocities Act

Andhra Pradesh government is concerned over the rising number of SC, ST atrocities case but poor conviction rate in such cases. Over 40% of the cases registered under this act are still pending. Out of the total 1198 cases registered between 2011 and 2014, at least 647 cases are yet to be heard.

They say there are many loopholes in these acts which is preventing the acts to get implemented in true spirit. Andhra Pradesh government will hold a series of talks with the concerned stake holders and will seek amendments from the Central government.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in July 2014 after several changes were proposed by many state governments. Chandrababu Naidu government is keen on getting a new section which prescribes imprisonment for six months to one year if a non-SC/ST public servant neglects his duties relating to SCs or STs.

[m9adh]