IF EMPLOYEES GET THE RIGHT OF SC/ST ACT FOR ASKING QUESTIONS

IF EMPLOYEES GET THE RIGHT OF SC/ST ACT FOR ASKING QUESTIONS

29-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-----------------------After a panchayat secretary filed a case under SC/ST Act against RJD MLA Bhai Virendra in Bihar, a serious debate has erupted in the administrative and political corridors of the state. This incident is not just a personal dispute, but is giving rise to a big question: If government employees will get the right to file a case under SC/ST Act against public representatives who ask questions or comment on the work, then how will the governance run in Bihar?

The matter is related to Maner MLA Bhai Virendra, against whom the panchayat secretary has filed a case under SC/ST Act. This action has been taken after a viral video, in which a heated argument is seen between the MLA and the panchayat secretary. This incident has once again raised concerns over the possible misuse of SC/ST Act.

Opponents and some administrative experts argue that if the Act is used even for minor arguments or questions related to work, then public representatives will hesitate to question the employees and fix their accountability. This will have a direct impact on the work of the public, because the officers will work without fear and it will become difficult to fix their accountability.

It is also worth noting that RJD, whose Bhai Virendra is an MLA, has always been a strong supporter of the SC/ST Act. In such a situation, action being taken against an MLA of its own party under this Act is creating an uncomfortable situation for the party as well.

The question also arises that should not a lower level employee like the Panchayat Secretary have taken care of the protocol and dignity of the post of an MLA? And is this entire incident just a result of a misunderstanding or some personal grudge, which is being given a political color under the guise of the SC/ST Act?

Experts say that the basic purpose of the SC/ST Act is to stop atrocities against Dalits and tribals and to provide them justice. This is an important law, but its misuse should not be acceptable in any way. If FIRs continue to be registered immediately in such cases without sufficient evidence and investigation, then this Act may lose its credibility and create unnecessary tension in the society.

At present, political rhetoric has intensified on this matter. The challenge before the Bihar government and administration is to ensure the correct use of this Act and take strict action against any kind of misuse, so that an environment of good governance and accountability is maintained in the state.