Nandyal: The Andhra Pradesh State Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman KS Jawahar has called upon officials to work with greater responsibility to ensure the effective implementation of SC/ST protection laws, safeguard the rights of Scheduled Castes, and eliminate caste discrimination.
Addressing a review meeting with Revenue, Police, Municipal and other district officials at the Collectorate PGRS Hall in Nandyal on Tuesday, Jawahar stressed the need for timely disposal of petitions and a compassionate approach towards public grievances.
District Collector G Raja Kumari, Superintendent of Police Suneel Sheoran, Commission Secretary S Chinna Ramudu, Commission members and senior officials participated in the meeting.
Expressing concern over the continued existence of caste-based discrimination in rural areas, the Commission Chairman said the administration must play a proactive role in building an equitable society.
He stated that the goal is to make Nandyal and Kurnool districts atrocity-free and revealed that a proposal for establishing a Fast-Track Court for speedy disposal of atrocity cases has been brought to the attention of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
He urged officials to act promptly on complaints and strengthen friendly policing to enhance public confidence in governance.
Reviewing petitions received by the Commission, Jawahar noted that 61 petitions had been submitted in the district, but Action Taken Reports (ATRs) were filed in only 11 cases, while the remaining cases were still pending.
He directed officials to respond promptly to Commission notices and submit ATRs without delay. He also announced that fact-finding committees would be deputed to villages to verify complaints and assess ground realities.
Emphasising coordinated efforts among all departments, he said atrocities often extend beyond caste discrimination to include land disputes, financial exploitation and service-related grievances.
Collector G Raja Kumari informed the Commission that the district administration is closely monitoring the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, reservation policies, welfare schemes and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Officials also reviewed issues relating to education, livestock welfare, fisheries, irrigation, employment and public services.
The Superintendent of Police reported a significant decline in crimes against Scheduled Castes, with cases reducing from 117 in 2024 to 71 in 2025, and only eight cases recorded up to April 30, 2026.
The Commission directed concerned departments to address pending service matters, ensure equitable access to welfare benefits and strengthen livelihood opportunities for SC communities across the district.
