Stop eviction of villagers, SC panel directs Punjab
Darpan News Desk IANS, 18 May, 2022 09:51 AM
Chandigarh, May 18 (IANS) Taking note of the Punjab government's decision for issuing eviction orders against Scheduled Caste residents in Ludhiana district, who are living there since independence, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman Vijay Sampla on Wednesday issued a notice and asked the state to reply in 15 days.
Besides, the NCSC also asked the government to stop the eviction drive and maintain status quo.
In a complaint to the NCSC, residents of Bhama Kalan village said they have possession of 200 acres in the village since 1947.
"Since 1947, we are utilising the land for agricultural and residential purposes. We have electricity and water connection, besides other government identification documents on these addressees.
"But now, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government is asking us to immediately vacate the land. This is not justified as the children have to attend the local school. We can't vacate the land and shift our elderly people, especially those who are unwell. We request the NCSC to please help us and protect our land," the villagers rued.
However, invoking relevant clause Section (7) of the rules of procedures of the commission, the NCSC asked the state Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana and the SSP to maintain the status quo until the matter is pending.
The NCSC warned the officers that no Scheduled Caste should be forced to vacate the land and if found otherwise, the commission will take necessary action against the erring officers as per the Prevention of Atrocities Act of 1989, as amended from time to time.
Addressing the gathering during a function to mark the death anniversary of former Punjab minister and Congress leader Santokh Singh Randhawa here, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for re-opening the Kartarpur corridor ahead of Prakash Purb of Guru Nanak Dev.
In a three page letter written on November 8, Tewari said, "I am requesting Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi to kindly ensure 50 per cent reservation granted to Mazhabi Sikhs & Balmikis out of 22.5 per cent way back in 1975, is upheld when matter comes up before a 7 or 9-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court when constituted shortly."
The Supreme Court on Monday sought an action plan within 24 hours from the Centre and state governments, detailing steps taken by task forces to stop air pollution caused by vehicular traffic, construction work, stubble burning, power plants, entry of heavy vehicles, dust, etc.
The Supreme Court on Monday said it will also consider the names of some retired apex court judges to monitor day-to-day investigation in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence incident. The top court also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to upgrade its task force investigating the matter with some high-ranking officials.
According to the officials, now the foreign travelers will be allowed to visit India without a mandatory quarantine. The government's move came 20 months after the pandemic situation improved in the country.
Gurkirat Singh, who was the chief guest at Punjab Day Function held during the ongoing India International Trade Fair 2021 at Pragati Maidan, also urged the Central government for reopening of Kartarpur Corridor, which has been closed since March 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic.
