Two days Workshop on the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 & the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 - May 13 & 14, 2022.

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 two days training cum induction workshop for newly empanelled “Legal Adviser” (LAs) and “Field Level Counselors” (FLCs) under National Helpline against Atrocities (NHAA) on Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 & the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The workshop aimed at educating the participants on the various aspects of these laws which have been implemented in UT of Jammu & Kashmir after the reorganization in 2019 to realize the vision of government to promote social integration, equality and mainstreaming the marginalized section of the society. During the workshop, Dr. NupurTiwary, Special Director, National Tribal Research Institute and Head, Centre of Excellence for Tribal Affairs, IIPA New Delhi and Advocate AseemSawhney, Ex. Advocate General of J&K High Court deliberated on various provisions of these laws, the challenges to be encountered and the roles and responsibilities of these empanelled members. Ms. SeemaBharti Secretary, J&K Advisory Board for Welfare and Development of Scheduled Caste informed that the Government of India has established National Helpline against Atrocities on SC/ST and the benefits of this helpline will now be available to the citizens of UT of Jammu & Kashmir also. The newly empanelled members will play a significant role in the effective implementation of these Acts and shall be the connecting link between the victim and the state agencies to ensure safety, justice, relief and rehabilitation of the victims. Prof Alka Sharma, Hony Secretary and Dr. Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA JKRB coordinated the programme. The programme was also attended by Dr. Ashok Bhan, IPS (Retd), Sh. B R Sharma, IAS (Retd) and Sh. K B Jandial, IAS (Retd) in addition to other members of IIPA, JKRB and civil society.