The National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) was launched today to ensure proper implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and to report any violation.

The complaint helpline number will help in preventing the abomination of the members belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The National helpline against atrocities on SCs, STs will ensure the execution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The objective of the government's National helpline against atrocities on SCs and STs is to build an informed awareness about the provisions of the law that are aimed at ending discrimination and providing protection to all the members of the community.

The helpline was launched by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar.

He said helpline number '14566' will ensure proper implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and it can be accessed by making a voice call or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol, also called IP telephony) either from a mobile or landline number of any telecom operator across the country.

Kumar said that also available as a web-based self-service portal, the NHAA will generate awareness about provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act, 1989 and the Protection of Civil Right (PCR) Act, 1955 that are aimed at ending discrimination and providing protection to all.

It will ensure that every complaint is registered as FIR, relief is provided, all registered complaints are probed and all chargesheets filed are prosecuted in courts for decision, all within the given timelines in the act.

The service to file complaints against the atrocities on SCs and STs will be available in English, Hindi as well as other regional languages of States and UTs. The mobile application of the National Helpline against Atrocities will also be available.

A docket number shall be given for each complaint received from victim/complainant/ NGOs regarding non-compliance of the PCR Act, 1955 and the PoA Act, 1989.

The status of the grievance can be tracked online by the complainant or the NGOs and every provision of the acts related to victim shall be monitored and compliance shall be ensured by triggering communication or reminders with the state or UT implementing authorities in the form of sending messages or e-mails, Kumar said.

Image Credit: Tatsat Chronicle