“Dispose of Pending Cases Under Atrocities Act Immediately” – Vijayalakshmi Bidari

Protection of Third Gender Rights and Effective Implementation of Anti-Black Magic Law Also Emphasized

Nagpur : Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari has instructed officials to dispose of all pending cases registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act within a time-bound framework. She also directed that proposals be prepared to offer government jobs to the legal heirs of victims affected by such atrocities.

These directives were given during a meeting of the Divisional Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, held in the conference hall of the Divisional Commissioner’s office. The meeting focused on the implementation of the SC/ST Atrocities Act, the protection and welfare of the third gender, and awareness regarding the Anti-Black Magic Law.

The meeting was chaired by Commissioner Bidari and attended via video conferencing by district collectors, chief executive officers, and district superintendents of police from across the region. In-person attendees included Nagpur Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, Deputy Commissioner Anil Bansod, Chief Conservator of Forests Pritam Singh Kodape, Skill Department Deputy Commissioner Prakash Deshmane, and senior officials from police, social welfare, and other departments.

Commissioner Bidari informed that out of 8,610 cases registered under the Atrocities Act in the region so far, 7,079 cases have been approved, and a financial assistance of ₹68.97 crore has been disbursed. She urged officials to expedite pending police investigations and court proceedings, and to review all pending compensation proposals at the district level.

Ensuring Rights and Welfare for the Third Gender

Commissioner Bidari emphasized providing ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter ID cards to third-gender individuals through special drives, along with resolving issues related to cemetery spaces at the district level. She also suggested creating dedicated health facilities for the third gender in government hospitals.

She called for proposals under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to allocate homes to members of the third gender and recommended the establishment of help centers at police stations in areas with a larger third-gender population.

Spreading Awareness on Anti-Black Magic Law

Regarding the Anti-Black Magic Law, Commissioner Bidari instructed officials to conduct awareness campaigns in colleges, especially targeting youth, to educate them about the law and its enforcement.

At the start of the meeting, Regional Deputy Commissioner of Social Justice Dr. Siddharth Gaikwad presented district-wise data on crimes under the Atrocities Act. A review of ongoing police investigations was also conducted.