Rajnath Singh on #BharatBand in Lok Sabha: The issue of reservation was false and baseless

New Delhi, April 3: Monday was marked a day with violence in History as an ugly protest by Several Dalit organizations across the country called for ‘Bharat Bandh’ shook Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Jharkhand. In this regard, Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke out in Loksabha, today.

He said, “Yesterday, there have been incidences of violence and arson in some parts of the country. During Bharat Bandh, 8 people lost their lives in the violence. (M.P 06, U.P 01 & Rajasthan 01). During the bandh, there have been clashes between the police and the protesters.”

Singh conveyed deep condolences for the people who have lost their lives.

Minister Singh added, “I fully appreciate that there is widespread anger amongst the people, following the Supreme Court order. I wish to inform the house that Government of India was not a party in that case. People have taken to the streets.”

 

Through the House, He assured the people that there has been no dilution in whatsoever by the Government, rather after coming to power and examining the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, they have taken a decision to strengthen it. He also assured that the government is fully committed to the welfare of SC/ST.

He said, “In 1995, the Government passed the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) (PoA) Amendment Act. As part of the amendment to SC/ST PoA Act, new offenses were added. It was observed that due to the delay in filing of the charge sheet, the victims/witness who was vulnerable were influenced and silenced. In order to protect them, the provision of witness protection was introduced. The compensation payable to the victims was also enhanced. There has been a new provision where action against Government Servants shall be taken against those found negligent in implementing the Act.”

Rajnath Singh further said, “Immediately after the judgment of Supreme Court, a decision was taken by my Government to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. The Ld. Attorney General has made an appeal in the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing and the Supreme Court has agreed to hear the matter at 2 o’clock today. This shows the prompt action by Government and does not leave any doubt regarding the intention of the Government to protect the interest of the SC/ST. I wish to also inform that after the judgment of the Supreme Court on 20th March 2018 within the span of only six working days, without losing any time and acting swiftly, the Government has filed a review petition in the Supreme Court.”

“I also wish to inform that there have been widespread rumors regarding the issue of reservation which are false and baseless” he added.

Through the House, he appealed to all the citizens to maintain peace and harmony amongst themselves. He also appealed to all the Political parties to help maintain peace and harmony.