Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar (IAS), chaired a meeting of the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee to review the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Executive Councillor Syed Mujtaba; Councillor Baroo Constituency Khadim Hussain; Additional SSP Ishtyaq Kacho; District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Samina Khatoon; retired Deputy Commissioner Hassan Khan; Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Dy. CMO) Kargil; and Dr. Fatima Banoo were present at the meeting.

The meeting commenced with a detailed briefing by DSWO Samina Khatoon on the provisions and implementation of the Act.

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to intensify awareness efforts regarding the Act, particularly among students, traders, ITI trainees, merchant and transport associations, drivers, labourers, and taxi unions who frequently travel outside the district.

He further instructed the DSWO to involve the Labour and Police Departments in awareness initiatives and directed that such programmes be integrated with the District Disability Action Committee (DDAC) and District Tobacco Cessation Centre (DTCC).

Emphasising responsible implementation, the DC stressed that while awareness is essential, the provisions of the Act must not be misused. He also directed the Police and Social Welfare Departments to identify cases requiring relief and rehabilitation outside the Union Territory.

The meeting also discussed the importance of promoting marriage registration as part of social welfare measures.