*13 organizations, including “Progressive Community,” Dehradun, honored*

The state is always committed to the protection of human rights – ADGP Abhinav Kumar

Dehradun – Human Rights Protection Day was celebrated at a hotel on Rajpur Road under the auspices of the “Human Rights Protection Center.” The program began with a symposium on the topic “The New BS Law and the Protection of Human Rights.” Thirteen organizations working for the protection and promotion of human rights in various fields were honored at the event.

Presiding over the program, Justice Dr. Rajesh Tandon, Presiding Member of the Nainital High Court Daily Lok Adalat, said that the new BS Law has made several amendments that will prove to be a milestone in the protection of human rights. He added that the Human Rights Protection Act, 1993, provides for the protection and encouragement of voluntary organizations working for the protection of human rights. Addressing the program, Chief Guest Abhinav Kumar, IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Prisons, Security and Intelligence), said that the state has always been committed to the protection of human rights. The Human Rights Protection Act came into effect in 1993, and I joined the service in 1996, and I will complete 30 years of service in January of this year. Over these 30 years, I have witnessed the implementation of the Human Rights Protection Act on the ground over time. Thirty years ago, cases of custodial torture were reported in the thousands across the country. However, with improved implementation of the Human Rights Protection Act, the active involvement of the judiciary, the Human Rights Commission, and other organizations established for the protection of human rights, and the active involvement of the administrative and police systems, the number has now decreased to around two hundred and fifty, and even minor incidents of torture are still recorded. However, this effort will continue until these cases reach zero. Similarly, the Dowry Abolition Act was enacted approximately 60 years ago. Gradually, with time, awareness grew in society, and torture and murders related to dowry decreased rapidly. What I mean to say is that when laws are enacted, that is the first step. Their implementation on the ground and the awareness generated in society is the second step. In this regard, the organizations working within our society, the commissions established by the government, and our administrative and police systems have proven to be very effective.

On this occasion, 13 organizations working to protect and promote human rights and uplift human lives were honored. Prominent among them were Udayan Care Trust, Pratham Health Foundation, Shri Jai Ram Memorial Education and Women’s Upliftment Committee, Shri Mahakal Seva Samiti, Samarpan Seva Samiti, Janaki Devi Educational Welfare Society, Bharatiya Gramothan Sansthan, Bharatiya Bharti Shramik Journalist Association, “Progressive Community” Dehradun, Kazmi Manav Seva Trust, and MJF Lion Charanjit Soi, who were honored with the “Ninth Human Rights Protection Ratna Samman.” Dr. Prem Kashyap delivered the vote of thanks. The program was conducted by Dr. Kunwar Raj Asthana. Padma Shri Dr. R.K. Jain, Ashok Verma, Anil Verma, Rajkumar Purohit, R.P. Gupta, Dr. Ajay Saxena, Dr. Sunil Agarwal, Rajiv Verma, Adv. Piyush Agarwal, SP Singh, Akbar Siddiqui, Sanjay Joshi, Dr. Jamshed Usmani, Vimal Dabral, Sanjeev Sharma, Rajiv Thapliyal, Dr. V.D. Sharma, etc. were prominently present.