Permanent Sangharsh Samiti To Be Constituted In Every District Of West UP
What Does It Mean?
Sangharsh Samiti literally means a “struggle committee” or “grievance redressal committee”.
The decision is to constitute a permanent committee in every district of Western Uttar Pradesh (West UP).
The purpose of such a committee is typically to:
Address ongoing social, economic, or political grievances of certain groups or communities.
Ensure dialogue between government authorities and aggrieved citizens.
Resolve issues peacefully and prevent escalation.
West UP is known for its complex social and communal dynamics, agricultural issues, and political unrest, hence the need for such a committee.
Detailed Explanation
1. Purpose of Constituting a Permanent Sangharsh Samiti
To institutionalize grievance redressal for various struggles faced by people—be it farmers, laborers, or marginalized groups.
To streamline communication between the government and the people.
To monitor the implementation of welfare schemes and ensure that the benefits reach intended beneficiaries.
To reduce protests, strikes, and law and order problems by providing a formal forum to address complaints.
To promote participatory governance where citizens have a platform to voice concerns.
2. Why West UP?
West UP has historically faced:
Agrarian distress, demands for better prices, subsidies, or debt relief.
Caste-based and communal tensions.
Frequent protests and strikes.
Constituting a permanent committee can lead to systematic problem-solving instead of ad hoc or reactive measures.
3. Structure and Functioning
Typically, such a committee would consist of:
Representatives of the district administration.
Local elected representatives (MLAs, MPs).
Members from affected communities or groups.
Experts or civil society members.
The committee would:
Meet regularly.
Hear grievances.
Recommend action.
Liaise with government departments.
Submit periodic reports to higher authorities.
Relevant Legal and Constitutional Principles (With Indian Case Law, No External Law)
A. Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination
The constitution guarantees equality before law (Article 14) and prohibits discrimination (Article 15).
A permanent committee helps ensure that all groups get equal attention and their grievances are not ignored.
This prevents arbitrary or discriminatory practices by authorities.
B. Right to Life and Dignity (Article 21)
Courts have held that access to basic rights and government schemes is part of the right to life.
A permanent grievance redressal mechanism ensures that people’s dignity and livelihood are protected.
C. Participatory Democracy and Governance
In Common Cause v. Union of India (1996), the Supreme Court emphasized people’s participation in governance.
Constituting such committees aligns with the principle that governance must be responsive and inclusive.
D. Judicial Recognition of Grievance Redressal Bodies
In K.K. Verma v. Union of India (1990), courts have recognized the importance of grievance redressal bodies in protecting citizens’ rights.
Such bodies promote access to justice at the grassroots level.
Summary
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Why Constitute? | To provide permanent, institutionalized grievance redressal in West UP. |
| Objective | Resolve disputes peacefully, promote participatory governance, monitor welfare. |
| Legal Basis | Article 14 (Equality), Article 21 (Right to Life and Dignity), judicial recognition of grievance mechanisms. |
| Expected Benefits | Reduction in protests, better governance, protection of rights. |
Conclusion
Constituting a Permanent Sangharsh Samiti in every district of West UP is a progressive administrative step to ensure that citizens’ grievances are heard and addressed efficiently and fairly. It embodies constitutional values of equality, dignity, and participatory governance. Courts have repeatedly underscored the importance of such mechanisms to facilitate access to justice and uphold fundamental rights.
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