Rajasthan Polity

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995

Failure of Contingency Plan for SCs and STs

Why in News?

• The Rajasthan High Court has expressed serious concerns over the State government’s failure to implement a contingency plan under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995.
• While 15 states (including Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Odisha) have successfully formulated and implemented such plans, Rajasthan lags behind.

Key Points:

1. Draft Contingency Plan (2017):
   • In 2017, the Dalit Manavadhikar Kendra Samiti (DMKS), a non-governmental organization, submitted a draft contingency plan to the Rajasthan government.
   • Key provisions of the draft:
     • Relief and rehabilitation for victims of caste-based violence.
     • Additional financial assistance for victims.
     • Protection of witnesses.
     • Monitoring mechanisms to ensure the welfare of the victims.
2. High Court Observation:
   • The High Court, during the hearing of a public interest writ petition filed by DMKS, noted that the delays in finalizing and implementing the contingency plan were hindering its intended objectives.
   • The contingency plan was expected to address the specific needs of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) communities, but delays have stalled progress.
3. Current Relief Provisions:
   • Currently, under Rule 12(4) of the 1995 Rules, the State government provides relief to victims of atrocities against SCs and STs.
   • This relief is delivered in cash or kind within seven days of the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
   • The relief is extended not only to the victims but also to their family members and dependents.
4. Rule 15 – Contingency Plan:
   • Under Rule 15 of the 1995 Rules, the contingency plan should outline the role and responsibility of various government departments in providing relief and support.
   • The failure to implement the contingency plan under Rule 15 has drawn criticism for leaving the SC and ST communities vulnerable.
5. Comprehensive Package for Victims:
   • The contingency plan should include a comprehensive package that covers:
     • Mandatory compensation to victims.
     • Rehabilitation services.
     • Employment opportunities in government jobs for victims and their families.
     • Measures aimed at strengthening the socio-economic conditions of the affected SCs and STs.

Exam Pointers:

• Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995: A critical legal framework for the protection and welfare of marginalized communities.
• The role of NGOs such as DMKS in drafting contingency plans to assist SC/ST communities.
• State-specific issues in Rajasthan’s delay in implementing a contingency plan versus other states that have already done so.
• Rule 12(4) and Rule 15 of the 1995 Rules: Key rules to remember in the context of relief distribution and the formulation of contingency plans.
• The broader impact of a comprehensive relief package including compensation, employment, and socio-economic rehabilitation for SC/ST victims.

Governance – Regular public hearings

Introduction

These notes cover the key aspects of Good Governance initiatives in Rajasthan, as highlighted by recent government actions and statements. They are designed for candidates preparing for the Rajasthan Civil Service exams conducted by RPSC.

Chief Minister’s Address in Banswara

• Location: Tripura Sundari Temple complex, Umrai, Banswara
• Key Focus: Emphasis on holding public hearings at gram panchayat level
• Main Agenda: Asserting good governance as a priority for the Rajasthan government

Key Points on Good Governance

1. Government Initiatives
   • The Rajasthan government is actively making important decisions to ensure state progress
   • Focus on implementing public welfare schemes effectively
2. Role of Government Officials
   • Every officer and employee plays a crucial role in: a) Implementing public welfare schemes b) Executing government decisions on the ground c) Ensuring benefits reach eligible persons
3. Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra
   • CM instructed effective monitoring of the yatra
   • Reviewed schemes and programs run in the division
   • Provided necessary guidelines for implementation
4. Public Grievance Redressal
   • Instruction: Ensure regular public hearings at gram panchayat level
   • Objective: Prevent people from traveling to district headquarters or state capital for grievance redressal
5. Anti-Corruption Measures
   • Part of state government’s zero tolerance policy
   • Officials directed to take strict action against: a) Corrupt individuals b) Mining mafia c) Land mafia

Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

Overview

1. Launch Date: November 15, 2023
2. Occasion: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day)
3. Primary Objectives:
   • Promote government welfare schemes
   • Publicize government welfare schemes
   • Enroll potential beneficiaries by collecting details during the yatra

Key Schemes to be Publicized

1. Ayushman Bharat PMJAY
2. PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
3. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
4. Other flagship welfare programmes

Implementation Strategy

1. IEC Vans:
   • 5 specially designed Information, Education and Communication vans
   • Purpose: Carry the message of government’s flagship welfare programmes
2. Coverage Target:
   • Over 2.55 lakh Gram Panchayats
   • Over 3,600 urban local bodies
3. Timeline:
   • Start: November 15, 2023
   • End: January 25, 2024

Implications for RPSC Candidates

1. Understanding Government Priorities:
   • Good governance as a central focus
   • Emphasis on local-level grievance redressal
2. Knowledge of Welfare Schemes:
   • Familiarity with schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, etc.
   • Understanding their implementation and impact
3. Awareness of Anti-Corruption Measures:
   • Zero tolerance policy against corruption
   • Actions against mining and land mafias
4. Grassroots Governance:
   • Importance of gram panchayat level initiatives
   • Role of local bodies in governance
5. Government Outreach Programs:
   • Understanding the significance of programs like Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra
   • Knowledge of IEC strategies in governance
6. Role of Civil Servants:
   • Implementation of welfare schemes
   • Monitoring and evaluation of government initiatives
   • Public interaction and grievance redressal

Remember to stay updated on the progress and outcomes of these initiatives, as they may evolve over time and could be important for your exam preparation.

Potential Exam Questions

1. What is the main focus of the Rajasthan government’s recent good governance initiatives? Discuss the key points highlighted by the Chief Minister in his address at Banswara.
2. Explain the objectives and implementation strategy of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. How does it aim to improve governance at the grassroots level?
3. Describe the anti-corruption measures being implemented by the Rajasthan government. How do these measures contribute to good governance?
4. What role do government officials play in ensuring good governance according to the recent directives? Discuss the importance of their involvement in implementing public welfare schemes.
5. How does the Rajasthan government plan to address public grievances at the local level? Explain the significance of this approach in improving governance.
6. Discuss the key welfare schemes that are being publicized through the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. How do these schemes contribute to good governance?
7. What is the significance of using IEC vans in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra? How does this strategy aid in promoting government initiatives?
8. Explain the concept of “zero tolerance policy” in the context of Rajasthan’s good governance initiatives. What specific areas does this policy target?
9. How does the government’s emphasis on gram panchayat level initiatives contribute to better governance? Provide examples from the recent directives.
10. Discuss the timeline and coverage targets of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. How might these factors impact the effectiveness of the program?

All India Conference of Director Generals of Police

Historical Background

Origin and Evolution

• First conference organized by Intelligence Bureau in 1920
• Post-independence inaugural conference:
  • Date: January 12, 1950
  • Inaugurated by: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (First Home Minister)
• Frequency:
  • Initially: Biennial (every two years)
  • Post-1973: Annual event

Participation

• Director Generals of Police (DGPs)
• Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs)
• Chiefs of Central Police Organizations
• Representatives from State/UT police organizations

58th Conference (2024)

Key Details

• Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Format: Hybrid mode
• Duration: Three days
• Attended by: Prime Minister of India

Major Agenda Points

1. Cyber Crime
2. Technology in Policing
3. Counter Terrorism Challenges
4. Left Wing Extremism
5. Prison Reforms
6. Implementation roadmap for new Criminal Laws

Significance

1. Administrative Importance
   • Platform for discussing national security
   • Coordination between different police organizations
   • Policy formulation and implementation
2. Modernization Aspects
   • Technology integration in policing
   • Addressing contemporary challenges
   • Standardization of police procedures

Important Years to Remember

• 1920: First IGP Conference
• 1950: First post-independence conference
• 1973: Shifted to annual frequency
• 2024: 58th Conference in Jaipur

Potential RPSC Exam Questions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who inaugurated the first post-independence Conference of IGPs in India? a) Jawaharlal Nehru b) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad d) C. Rajagopalachari
2. When did the Conference of IGPs become an annual event? a) 1950 b) 1960 c) 1973 d) 1980
3. Which organization initiated the first Conference of IGPs in India? a) Home Ministry b) Intelligence Bureau c) Central Bureau of Investigation d) National Police Academy

Short Answer Questions

1. Discuss the evolution of the All India Conference of DGPs/IGPs from 1920 to present.
2. What are the major agenda points discussed in the 58th Conference of DGPs? Explain their significance in current context.
3. How has the format of the Conference changed over time? Discuss with reference to the 58th Conference.

Long Answer Questions

1. “The All India Conference of DGPs/IGPs plays a crucial role in modernizing Indian police forces.” Critically analyze this statement with reference to recent developments.
2. Evaluate the significance of the Conference in addressing contemporary challenges faced by Indian police forces. Support your answer with suitable examples.