Activist demands transparency in functioning of T.N. SC/ST Commission
Based on a recent Right to Information (RTI) Act reply to a number of petitions resolved by the commission since its inception in 2021, social activist Karthik said of 6,291 petitions received, only 4,173 petitions were resolved. Over 2,100 petitions had not been settled, he added.
Commenting on the functioning of the Commission, Mr. Karthik said since its formation in 2021, the Commission's functioning lacked transparency. 'Starting from chairperson to the members in the Commission, all are being paid in lakhs of rupees. The chairperson, who is the retired judge, is paid ₹2.50 lakh and the vice-chairperson is paid ₹1.50 lakh,' he said.
As the period of members of the first Commission, who were appointed in August 2021 ended in August 2024, a new set of members were selected and appointed in February 2025. In addition to the monthly salary, the members were enjoyed benefits like travel, assistance, stay, and so on, Mr. Karthik added.
'The lakhs and lakhs of rupees paid as salary to the Commission comes from the taxpayers' money,' Mr. Karthik said.
In such a situation, to learn about the efficiency of the Commission, a platform to understand its progress should have been created, he added.
Akin to the exclusive website for the SC/ST Commission in Karnataka, which allowed to review the performance of the members through the data available on resolved petitions and also comment on their performance, a website should be created for the Commission in Tamil Nadu, he said.
As the number of crimes against SC and STs, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), had been increasing every year, the assessment of the Commission formed only to investigate such matters, was very essential, he said.
He said: 'Only through progressive comments and suggestions could the functioning of commission be reviewed and improved. The State government, if wishes to mitigate crimes against SC/STs should provide an opportunity for the public to take part in the Commission's functioning.'
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