IIPA JKRB & Dept. of Social Welfare jointly organize One days’ Workshop on the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 & the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 – August 12, 2023

Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K Regional Branch in collaboration with Department of Social Welfare, J&K Advisory for Welfare and Development of Schedule Castes Government of Jammu & Kashmir organized workshop for District Social Welfare Officers/Police Personals (Dy. SP’ HQ’) Nodal Officer/Special cell for Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 & the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989/Special Public Prosecutors and newly empanelled Legal Advisors, on Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 & the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Advocate Shruti Bist, Advocate Supreme Court of India while deliberating on various provisions of these laws in detail; discussed preventive actions that can be taken, role of law enforcing agencies, challenges which can be encountered and also the roles and responsibilities of the police officers in effective implementation of the Act. During the sessions, a video was also played to understand how the Act is being implemented in other states and Union territories of India. Earlier, during the inaugural function, in her message, Ms. Sheetal Nanda, IAS, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Government of Jammu & Kashmir informed that these laws have been implemented in UT of Jammu & Kashmir after the reorganization in 2019. She outlined various initiatives being taken by the Social Welfare department to promote and realize the vision of government to support social integration, equality and mainstreaming the marginalized section of the society. Sh. B.R.Sharma, IAS (Retd) State Election Commissioner & Chairman IIPA J&K Regional Branch in his address talked about the relevance of this Act in the present context. He suggested that such programs are important to create awareness among general public and also the officials are able to perform their duties without harming any individuals respect and dignity. Earlier Prof Alka Sharma, Honorary Secretary IIPA JKRB delivered the formal welcome address and the Dr Anil Gupta Joint Secretary IIPA JKRB presented the formal vote of thanks and coordinated the program. Secretary, J& K Advisory Board for Welfare and Development of SCs Ms. Seema Bharti (JKAS) coordinated the entire event on behalf of the Social Welfare Department.