New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday urged the Southern states of the country to focus on seven specific points. It includes addressing the menace of illegal drugs supply and expediting the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Amit Shah made the suggestions as he chaired the 29th meeting of the Southern Zonal Council in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati in which 40 out of 51 pending issues were resolved.
In his closing remarks, the Union Home Minister advised the states to speed up second dose COVID-19 vaccinations below subdivision level, saying “Chief Ministers and officers should monitor the progress”, news agency ANI reported.
He noted that the Union government has initiated the work for amendment of Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Evidence Act, and said: “The states should submit their inputs for the amendments by involving officials and experts.”
ALSO READ | Tripura Police Detain Two Female Journalists Amid Tensions Over Reports On Alleged Mosque Vandalism
Expressing concerns over the growing menace of illegal drugs supply, the Union Home Minister asked the Chief Ministers to prioritise addressing the issue with the spread of narcotics.
“Chief Ministers should give priority to addressing the menace and spread of narcotics, as drug usage destroys the lives and potential of our youth,” Amit Shah said in his closing remarks, PTI reported.
The Union Home Minister further advised the states to create an independent institution of Director Prosecution to speed up prosecutions.
Noting that a National Forensic Science University and a Rashtriya Raksha University have been established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, he said, “All states should establish atleast one forensic science college with a syllabus in the local language, so that they can have trained manpower which can meet the needs of forensic investigation.”
Amit Shah also stressed that Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) crimes should have zero tolerance and POCSO cases should be given priority.
He said that crimes against children are unacceptable and that a time frame of 60 days should be adhered to.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister also mentioned that the Union government has decided to observe November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas and that the day will be observed every year through various formats spread over one week, to highlight the contribution of tribal communities to our Freedom Struggle and national development.
He urged the Chief Ministers to develop an action plan in their states to showcase and highlight the contribution of the tribals to India’s Freedom Struggle and to development of their states.
Chairing the day-long meeting of the Southern Zonal Council, Amit Shah stated that the ancient culture, traditions, and languages of our Southern states enrich India’s culture and ancient legacy.
He also stressed that “we cannot imagine India’s development without the very important contribution of our Southern part”.
(With Agency Inputs)