Unique tool to track atrocities against Dalits
New Delhi:To monitor atrocities perpetrated against Dalits and Adivasis and to ensure speedy justice, a unique web-based tool — Atrocity Tracking and Monitoring (ATM) System — has been launched. The initiative falls under the aegis of the National Coalition for Strengthening SC/ST PoA Act (NCSPOA) by the National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ).
A two-day training workshop will also be organised in the city next month to promote the use of ATM System among the stakeholders concerned.
“The ATM System has been built with an objective to provide a tool in the hands of Dalits and Adivasis to report atrocities and avail of timely justice. We hope it will be useful for Dalit human rights activists and organisations, to create and maintain a repository of cases, track records, and facilitate information exchange for timely action,” said V.A. Ramesh Nathan, general secretary, NDMJ.
“At present, more than 100 atrocity cases have been reported from different parts of the country. The users of the States concerned have sent e-mail and SMS notifications to the officials in their region regarding the cases of atrocities against Dalits,” he added.
As per the National Crime Records Bureau (2001-12), the extent of atrocities committed against SCs & STs is enormous. Nearly 3,70,234 crimes have been committed against SCs & STs, 15,917 women have reportedly been raped, 7,900 murdered, 49,514 brutally attacked and severely injured, and 1,59,692 other forms of atrocities have been committed.
Under the ATM System, anyone with Internet access can go to the website where a helpline number 9898915455 is given. As soon as a person sends a message on this number, the website automatically identifies its circle and sends a message. After the validation is done, the message goes to the authority concerned to facilitate necessary action against the case.
The NDMJ, is a democratic non-party movement of Dalit survivors, defenders, academics, organisations headed by Dalits to initiate advocacy and involve in mass action to address the issues of caste-based discrimination and violence (primarily untouchability and atrocities) to ensure dignity, equality and justice.
The Atrocity Tracking and Monitoring System will provide a tool in the hands of Dalits and Adivasis to report atrocities and avail of timely justice
Source: The Hindu
