Haroli/Una, April 16 (Rajveer Chopra):— The first phase of the 'Social Justice Journey' (Samajik Nyay Yatra)—launched on April 1 to press for the enactment of an Act for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Fund in Himachal Pradesh—concluded on Thursday in the Una Assembly constituency. The journey culminated at the Una Rest House.
Originating from the Dalhousie Assembly constituency in Chamba district, the journey traversed through various regions of Churah, Chamba Sadar, Bhattiyat, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Solan before reaching Santoshgarh.
Representatives associated with the journey clarified that this campaign would continue until the state government, in accordance with its election manifesto, enacts the SC-ST Development Fund Act.
It is noteworthy that the demand for this legislation has been raised consistently over the past three years. To this end, approximately 30 social organizations across the state have joined forces to form a state-level alliance dedicated to the Scheduled Castes and Tribes Development Fund Act.
Representatives of the state alliance—including retired IFS officer D.P. Chandra, Sukhdev Vishwapremi, Advocate Naresh Kumar Sansowal, District Congress Committee SC Department President Balram Mahe, District President of Shri Guru Ravidas Mahasabha (Una) Shakuntala Sandhu, State Convener of the National Dalit Movement for Justice Rajkumar Mahe, and Harichand Sandhu—stated that efforts have been made at multiple levels to ensure the implementation of this Act; however, no concrete steps have been taken by the government thus far.
They noted that since 2023, several initiatives have been undertaken across the state, including district-level consultations, seeking support from legislators, submitting memorandums to the Chief Minister, and presenting a draft bill. More than 15 legislators have also signed in support of this legislation.
During the event, Malepalli Laxmaiah, Chairperson of the National Centre for Dalit Studies, cited examples from various states—including Telangana—to emphasize that such legislation could bring about significant improvements in the educational and economic status of the SC-ST communities. He added that the demand for this legislation is gaining momentum across the country. During the tour, the representatives pledged to go from village to village under the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign to mobilize public support. Additionally, on April 14—the occasion of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Jayanti—memorandums were submitted to the Chief Minister through the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
The representatives stated that this movement would continue and that the demand for the State Government to implement this law expeditiously would persist.