The National Human Rights Commission held an Open Hearing of complaints of problems relating to Scheduled Castes at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh from the 26th to 27th November, 2013. Two Division Benches, presided over by NHRC Members, Justice Shri D. Murugesan and Shri S.C. Sinha heard a total of 123 complaints relating to four districts-Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur and Varanasi. The complaints related to forcible dispossession of Scheduled Castes from their lands, non-registration of FIRs under the relevant provisions of the SCs/STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, bonded labour, denial of benefits of social welfare schemes etc.
Earlier, inaugurating the 'Open Hearing', Justice Shri K.G. Balakrishnan, Chairperson, NHRC said that despite laws and welfare schemes, the Scheduled Castes continued to face problems. The Commission is trying to reach out to them through its 'Open Hearings' so as to solve their problems with cooperation from the State Governments.
The Commission also held a meeting with the representatives of some local NGOs, who raised several issues, including, problems of mentally challenged persons, lack of medical services in Varanasi Division, denial of benefits of social welfare schemes to people of 'Musahar' community, disappearance of water bodies, hurdles in processing of scholarships to SCs, absence of women staff in police stations. The Chairperson suggested that the NGOs should organise camps to educate the common man about the schemes and issues.
Based on this feedback as well as the nature of complaints heard, a meeting was held with the concerned district authorities wherein they were asked to take effective actions to solve the problems of the Scheduled Castes.
Registrar (Law) Shri A.K. Garg, Presenting Officer, Shri K.P. Singh, JR (Law), Shri A.K. Parashar and other senior officers of the Commission were part of the delegation.