In a significant move aimed at enhancing accessibility, Anju Bala, Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), has announced a proactive approach to grievance redressal. She declared that every missed call received by the commission from complainants will now be treated as a formal complaint and will be acted upon.
Directive to District Officials in Jalandhar
Anju Bala made this important announcement during a review meeting with district officials in Jalandhar, Punjab. The meeting was convened to assess the progress of various cases and schemes related to the welfare of the Scheduled Caste community in the district. She emphasized the commission's commitment to ensuring justice and prompt action for every citizen seeking help.
The Vice-Chairperson issued clear instructions to the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Jalandhar. She directed them to personally review all pending cases concerning the SC community and ensure their swift resolution. Bala stressed that officials must visit the sites of incidents and grievances to understand the ground reality, rather than relying solely on reports.
Focus on Timely Justice and Welfare Schemes
During the review, Anju Bala examined several specific issues. A key concern was the delay in the disbursement of scholarships to SC students. She directed the district administration to expedite the process and clear all pending scholarship payments without further delay, highlighting the importance of education for empowerment.
Another major point of discussion was the proper and timely utilization of funds allocated under the Special Component Plan (SCP), now known as the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). These funds are specifically earmarked for the development and welfare of the SC community. Bala instructed officials to ensure that these resources are used effectively and for their intended purpose, with no diversion to other areas.
Addressing Backlog and Police Responsiveness
The Vice-Chairperson also took serious note of the backlog in resolving complaints registered with the commission. She called for a time-bound action plan to address these pending matters. Furthermore, she reviewed the performance of the police in handling cases of atrocities against SC community members.
Anju Bala urged the police to be more sensitive and responsive. She advised them to register First Information Reports (FIRs) promptly in relevant cases and to conduct thorough investigations to deliver justice. The objective is to build greater confidence within the community regarding the law enforcement and justice system.
This new policy of treating missed calls as formal complaints is seen as a groundbreaking step to lower the barrier for filing grievances. It is expected to make the National Commission for Scheduled Castes more approachable for people, especially in remote areas or for those who may find formal written complaints daunting. The directive underscores a shift towards a more complainant-friendly and action-oriented approach in the commission's functioning.
