NCSC: Return Panchami land to owners

Murugan said the officials have been asked to take stock of the availability of land against those that are enjoyed by non beneficiaries. “Some districts have given those details. We will take efforts to return those lands to rightful owners,” he said. He also said that the State ranks 2nd (next to Delhi) in cases registered for atrocities against Dalits. 

Expressing concern over the figures and stating that Tamil Nadu ranks 5th in terms of incidents of atrocities against Dalits, he added that the figures were high due to increasing awareness on the act in Tamil Nadu. About allegations of police organising Kangaroo courts to settle matters pertaining to such cases, he said that the commission will deal with it with an iron hand. 

On misuse of the SC/ ST Prevention of Atrocities Act by a section of Dalits, he said that it is the duty of the police to take the call. He expressed satisfaction over disbursal of relief and financial assistance to victims of caste-based harassment. 

According to him, the commission is now focusing on allotment of seats for Dalits in private schools, colleges and universities. He said special attention will be given to discuss reservation in government jobs for inter-caste marriage couples.