Gandhinagar, March 25 (NationPress) Gujarat has achieved the highest rank in the nation for resolving complaints submitted through the National Helpline Against Atrocities, with more than Rs 23 crore allocated in assistance during 2025.

This aid is specifically directed towards cases involving Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), as reported by officials following a review meeting led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday.

The state-level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, established under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Rules, 2018, has assessed the enforcement of protective measures.

According to a presentation at the meeting, Gujarat has successfully attained a 100% disposal rate for complaints submitted via the helpline, which has been operational since March 2022 through a state-of-the-art call center.

The committee conducted an in-depth review of cases filed in 2025 under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. This included an examination of aid provided to victims and initiatives aimed at fostering social unity.

The Chief Minister emphasized that efforts to enhance social cohesion should persist through “sensitive and empathetic cooperation” among public representatives and officials.

He also instructed that District Vigilance Committees convene every three months across all districts, chaired by district collectors.

During the meeting, officials disclosed that Rs 23.62 crore was allocated to victims of atrocity cases from January to December of 2025.

The review highlighted the institutional frameworks for prevention and response, including the helpline system and ongoing district-level monitoring.

Additionally, the meeting covered the ‘Samaras Hostel’ initiative, initiated in 2016, aimed at housing students from diverse communities under one roof.

A total of 1.03 lakh students have benefited from 23 hostels across 12 districts, with approvals for 11 boys’ and 14 girls’ hostels.

It was also noted that special courts established under the 1989 Act are operating effectively in the state, alongside 16 exclusive special courts dedicated to the rapid resolution of atrocity cases.

Attendees included Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Pradyuman Vaja, and Ministers of State Manisha Vakil, Ramesh Katara, Darshana Vaghela, Jayram Gamit, and P.C. Baranda. Elected representatives from reserved constituencies for SCs and STs also participated and offered their suggestions.