Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

(iii) The Government of Maharashtra has prepared a booklet called "Guidelines
for Dealing with the Communal Disturbances", which contains detailed
instructions to control communal disturbances, preventive measures to be taken
and the action plan to handle the actual communal disturbances in case they occur.
(iv) The Government of Maharashtra has established a State Human Rights
Commission as well as a Minorities Commission. Anybody, who feels that his
human rights have been violated can approach the Human Rights Commission
which takes appropriate steps to redress the grievances. Similarly, any members
of the minorities communities having grievances can approach the Maharashtra
Minorities Commission which addresses the issue and finds out appropriate
solutions.
(v) In order to safeguard the interest of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes,
the Government of Maharashtra has formed a wing in the Police called 'Protection
of Civil Rights' Which is headed by a officer of the rank of Additional Director
General of Police.
(vi) The State Government has formed a Communal Harmony Council under
the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, with a view to enhance communal
understanding and harmony among the citizens belonging to various castes,
creeds and religions. In order to implement and monitor the recommendations
and decisions taken by the Communal Harmony Council, a Communal Harmony
Empowerment Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the
Chief Secretary.
4. The Government of Maharashtra views with serious concern the growing
trend of religious intolerance and fundamentalism. Due to the high level of
alertness and vigilance that is being exercised, the casualties due to violence
related to sectarian or religious fanaticism have been kept in check. Only a few
persons have lost their lives or have suffered injuries as a consequence. The Govt.
has been sensitive to the human rights issues and aspects involved. These cases
are handled carefully by experienced personnel to minimise instances of any
reaction or backlash.
5. The Government of Maharashtra has accepted the Sachar Committee
Report. It is the Maharashtra Government's conviction that a proactive approach
is needed to convince the minorities to wholeheartedly join the mainstream in
the task of integration and nation building. In pursuit of this goal, a separate
Department for Minorities Development was set up in February, 2008 and
160