State-Level Training on Atrocities Act Launched by Tamil Nadu Minister

The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Minister Dr. M. Mathiventhan inaugurated the state-level awareness training on the Prohibition of Atrocities Act and its provisions, organized on behalf of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, at Chennai Egmore today (28.11.2024).

At the event, Dr. M. Mathiventhan emphasized the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu’s guidance to raise awareness among the public about the rights granted under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, and the Prohibition of Atrocities Act. The aim is to ensure harmony and inclusivity among all communities. Since 1998, “Human Dignity Day” is celebrated annually from January 24 to January 30 across all districts.

The Prohibition of Atrocities Act, 1989, with its rules amended in 1995 by the Union Government, also provides for compensatory measures. Accordingly, the policy of granting government jobs to the dependents of victims of atrocities, introduced by former Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar, has been implemented since 1989. Beyond enforcement, various initiatives have been taken to promote social harmony and prevent discrimination among communities.

To this end, rural development programs include a reward scheme of ₹10 lakh for villages achieving zero discrimination, operational since 2021. Over the last three years, several villages have been rewarded under this scheme.

Under government assistance programs, dependents of those affected by atrocities have received pensions, retirement benefits, housing land titles, and educational scholarships. Specifically, retirement benefits were provided to 360 dependents, monthly pensions to 615 beneficiaries, housing land titles to 138 recipients, and educational scholarships to 68 beneficiaries.

This year, a budget allocation of ₹3 crore has been sanctioned to train all field officers in the provisions of the Prohibition of Atrocities Act under the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department. The training will be conducted by experienced experts, including judges, district collectors, and social workers, ensuring effective implementation and awareness among officials.

Through these initiatives, Tamil Nadu continues its commitment to preventing atrocities and fostering inclusivity under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister. Dr. M. Mathiventhan expressed his pride in conducting this inaugural training session for key officials from various departments, including tribal project officers and field supervisors.

The event was attended by notable speakers, including former Justice Mr. P. Sathasivam, former Justice Mr. D. Hari Paranthaman, Advocate Mr. P. Thilakasekaran, Advisory Committee Member Mrs. Deepthi Sukumar, and other dignitaries from the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.