The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Mr Mukul Wasnik has called upon the state governments to join hands with the centre to end atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.<br/><br/>Inaugurating the state-level launch of the Panchami Self Help Group in Kochi this evening, Mr Wasnik said atrocities against SCs and STs are showing an increasing trend in the country. He said nearly 35,000 cases of atrocities against SCs and STs were registered in the country during last year.<br/><br/>He noted that in Kerala, where literacy rates are high, 477 such cases were registered. He said a wide spread campaign is required to change the mindset of the society towards SCs and STs, particularly amongst police officials.