ATROCITIES VIS-À-VIS DEVELOPMENTAL STRATEGIES FOR SCHEDULED CASTES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

The human society, since time immemorial, has been characterized by inequalities and inequities on one hand and quest for equality and equity on the other. At present the scheduled castes constituting approximately 16.6 percent (census 2011) of the total population in India and 25.2 percent of the total population in Himachal Pradesh have important social formation in the Indian society. The continuity and change in the life of scheduled castes is historical in nature attributing mainly to the concerted efforts made by various scheduled castes organizations themselves for their up-liftment. The constitutional provisions are translated into a reality by incorporating them into development policies and plans. Whatever changes which have come in the life of the scheduled castes are the result of planned developmental strategies. Despite various measures have been taken to improve the socioeconomic conditions of scheduled castes, they still remain vulnerable. Atrocities against the members of the scheduled castes still continue to a disturbing level. The public accountability provisions under the Act need to be outlined in detail and strengthened. The objective of the study is to emphasize the intention of the Indian constitutional provisions to develop scheduled castes through affirmative action's in order to enable them to live in society with dignity and self-esteem without any discrimination and fear.