Udupi: Delays in payment of compensation to SC/ST victims and alleged fake caste certificates were some of the issues raised at the district-level SC/ST grievance redressal meeting chaired by Udupi SP Hariram Shankar on Saturday.Around 53 SC/ST community leaders and representatives from across the district participated in the meeting, along with senior police officials.Community members said the police department in Udupi district has been responding well to issues concerning the community, and requested that other departments also respond in a similar manner. A request was submitted to change the members of the vigilance committee, which is chaired by the deputy commissioner. A grievance was raised that when cases are registered involving SC/ST persons, the rightful compensation due to them is not being provided. The social welfare department was instructed to take appropriate action in this regard.It was brought to light that funds provided by the govt to uplift Dalits in the Shankaranarayana police station limits had been misused. The social welfare department was instructed to conduct a proper inquiry into the matter. It further alleged that some persons from Tamil Nadu had obtained false caste certificates in Udupi. Instructions were issued to take action at the DCRE police station based on the complaint submitted in this regard.Functionaries also pointed out that DCRE police stations have been established in every district to assist Dalits, but the required officers and staff have not been appointed. As a result, justice for Dalits is being delayed. The participants requested that the matter be brought to the notice of the govt. The representatives said in SC/ST cases, accused persons obtain stay orders from courts, and that the DCRE police station has not been taking proper steps to get such stay orders vacated. Instructions were issued to the DCRE police station to take appropriate action in this regard.
