The Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been established under the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 2010 to safeguard the interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes on the State of Goa and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
STRUCTURE OF COMMISSION
The Commission consists of Chairperson and Secretary/Chief Executive Officer.
Functions of the Commission
In terms of Section 11 of the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 2010, the Commission shall perform the functions of the Commission namely :
a)
i) Inquiry, suo motu or on a petition or complaint made by Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes in front of violation of any right in the Protection of Civil Rights, 1955 and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
ii) Negligence in the prevention of such violation, by a public servant.
iii) Inquire and recommend to the concerned disciplinary authority to initiate disciplinary action in cases where the Commission is of the view that any public servant has been grossly negligent or grossly indifferent in regard to the discharge of his duties in relation to the protection of the interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
b) To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution of India.
c) To evaluate the working of various safeguards and civil rights.
d) To make recommendations with a view to ensure effective implementation and enforcement of all safeguards under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (Central Act 22 of 1955) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Central Act 33 of 1989).
e) To undertake a review of the implementation of the policies pursued by the Government with respect to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
f) To look into specific complaints regarding deprivation of rights and safeguards in the interest of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
g) To enquire into any unfair practice, take decision thereon and recommend to the Government the action to be taken in that matter.
h) To spread literacy among various section of the society regarding the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (Central <>Act 22 of 1955) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Central Act 33 of 1989) and to promote awareness of the safeguards available for the protection of these rights through publications in the media, seminars and other available means.
i) To conduct studies, research and analysis on the question of avoidance of discrimination against the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
j) To suggest appropriate legal and welfare measures in respect of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled tribes to be undertaken by the Government.
k) To discharge such other functions in relation to welfare, development and advancement of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
l) The monitoring of the working of laws in force concerning the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
m) To invite one or more prominent persons to participate in the meetings of the Commission to advice on such matters as may be necessary.
n) To encourage the efforts of non-governmental organizations and institutions working in the field of human rights and for the upliftment and betterment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
o) To make periodical reports at prescribed intervals to the Government.
p) To exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be conferred or enjoined upon it by this Act or the Rules made there under.
q) The recommendations of National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes will prevail in case of conflicting recommendations on the same issue by the Goa Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Commission will not take cognizance of following complaints:
1) Where complainant and accused both are of SC/ST.
2) Where complainant and accused both are of other caste.
3) Where matter pertains to NCSC/ST.
4) Where matter is pending before the various judicial authorities.
5) Where the Commission has already taken cognizance of the offence/complaint.
6) Central government/autonomous body of central government/corporation.
Proceeding For making complaint
1) Complaint can be made to the Chairperson or Secretary/CEO.
2) Furnish details whether matter is pending in the court of law.
3) Application/complaint be submitted in the office of the Commissioner directly or send through the post, send two copies, whether the complainant is SC/ST be stated. All the relevant documents be attached.
4) No court fees stamp required. It is not necessary to file a complaint through advocate.