Nitish bid to flag Right to Service Guarantee Act in Dalit villages

The Chief Minister has said that such functions would be “the best way to educate the marginalised class regarding the benefits of Right to Service Guarantee Act”,under which a government servant has to provide his or her services within a prescribed time-frame or face penalty. Also,such events will instil a “sense of pride” among the Dalits,according to the CM. The government will not only bear all expenses of such events,which will include sports or cultural programmes,but also designate a government official to supervise the function. The CM wants that Bihar Diwas,in particular,should be celebrated by the marginalised communities.

General Administration Department (GAD) Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar said,“Our department has issued a circular on May 19 with the sole objective of empowering Dalits and instilling a sense of pride in them about our history and heritage.” He added that the Right to Service Guarantee Act,to be notified soon,would be a effective tool in the hands of people. “We will simplify the process of getting a BPL card,I-card and driving licence during such functions where government servants will interact with villagers.”

The circular,served to all 38 district magistrates,said that the government would designate an official well in advance to prepare for the function and set a budget of Rs 500 for a Dalit village/ tola. Bihar Administrative Reforms Mission Society will send its instructions to district collectors concerned.