Web-based tool Atrocity Tracking and Monitoring System launched

A unique web-based tool, named Atrocity Tracking and Monitoring (ATM) System was launched in second week of February 2015. The tool was launched with an aim to monitor atrocities perpetrated against Dalits and Adivasis and to deliver timely and speedy justice.

The tool was launched by National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ).

The SC/ST PoA (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (NCSPOA) 1989, an Act passed by the Parliament of Act was enacted to prevent atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

To strengthen SC/ST PoA (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (NCSPOA), NDMJ has started an initiative named National Coalition.

How the ATM system will work
• Person who want to access the support provided by the ATM system will have to login into website and take the helpline provided over their (it is 9898915455)
• Then, the person will have to sent a message on it after which the circle will be automatically by the website and a message will be sent
• Further after validation, the message will be sent to the concerned authority to facilitate necessary action against the case

Beside, the NDMJ has decided to organise a two-day training workshop to promote the use of ATM amongst the concerned stakeholders. The workshop will be organised in March 2015 in New Delhi.

Report of Crimes against Persons belonging to SCs and STs
In context of India, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are the most vulnerable communities in terms of discrimination and violence. 22 forms of worst forms of atrocities faced by them have been officially recognised under the SC/ST (PoA) Act and some of them are murder, rape, mass attack, arson, and others. To discourage occurrence of these crimes higher penalties are attracted.

National Crime Records Bureau, 2001-11 reports that the extent of atrocities committed against SCs and STs is enormous. It highlights
• Crimes against SCs and STs: nearly 370234
• Women raped: 15917
• Murders: 7900
• Brutally and severely injured: 49514
• Other forms of atrocities committed: 159691

It says that only 32 percent of crimes were registered under the SC&ST (PoA) Act and conviction rate under the Act was meager 24.8 percent.

About National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ)
National Dalit Movement for Justice (NDMJ) is a democratic, secular, non-party movement of Dalit survivors, defenders, academics, organisations headed by Dalits. It was created in 1998 with an aim to initiate advocacy and involve in mass action to address the issues of caste based discrimination (CBD) and violence (primarily untouchability and atrocities) to ensure dignity, equality and justice. The organisation has its presence in 17 states across India.