NEW DELHI, Jan 2 � As part of the initiative to implement the Bezbaruah Committee Report, the Centre is contemplating to amend the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for insertion of new Sections of 153C and 509A.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh briefed mediapersons on the implementation of MP Bezbaruah Committee Report. He said that the recommendations made by the Committee concerning the immediate measures have been accepted.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee in February 2014 under the chairmanship of MP Bezbaruah to look into the various concerns of the citizens hailing from the north-eastern States, who are living in different parts of the country and to suggest suitable remedial measures, including legal measures which could be taken up by the government.
The amendments to the IPC were recommended by the Bezbaruah Committee and the Ministry of Law and Justice has agreed to the changes. Joined by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, the Union Home Minister announced a slew of measures for safeguard of the people of North East.
The Home Minister, however, did not specify the time line for drafting of an anti-racial legislation, as suggested by the Committee. This is among the long term measures but an anti-racial law is under consideration of the Government of India, said the Union Home Minister.
As part of legal assistance, the Home Minister said a panel of seven lawyers, including five women lawyers, has been constituted by the Delhi State Legal Service Authority (DSLSA) for providing legal assistance to the needy people from the North East. The Delhi government will also be providing compensation and monetary assistance to the people of north-eastern region under Delhi Victim Compensation Scheme 2011. The State Bhawans of concerned States have also agreed to play active roles to assist the persons in distress.
According to the Committee�s recommendations, Delhi Police will appoint 20 police personnel from each north-eastern State and police exchange programmes will also be initiated.
A decision has also been taken to fast track cases of North East people for early decision.
A special helpline (1093) for people of the region is being synchronised with helpline (100).
In order to educate the people about the North East, universities have been advised that history of North East and the role of people of North East in the freedom movement of the country should be taught at graduation level and post-graduation level, and for this purpose, the curriculum may be changed.
Similar action is being taken by the NCERT with respect to elementary and higher secondary education.
Under the �Ishan Vikas� scheme, selected students from school and college levels from the north-eastern States will be taken to Indian Institute of Technology, National Institute of Technology and other engineering institutes for exposure and internship programme.
Singh said the Ministry of DoNER, being the nodal agency for development of the region, is in the process of clearing the proposal for construction of a hostel at the Jawaharlal Nehru University and four other colleges at Delhi expeditiously.
