SC/ST body demands law to safeguard welfare funds
The Himachal Pradesh Dalit Shoshan Manch has urged the state government to enact a special law to safeguard the SC/ST sub plan, ensuring that funds allocated for the welfare of these communities are fully utilised in accordance with constitutional provisions.
A delegation from the Manch met the Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Col Dhani Ram Shandil, on Monday, and submitted a memorandum outlining their key demands for the upliftment of SC/ST communities in the state.
Jagat Ram, coordinator of the Manch, said, “At least 33 per cent of the state’s population belongs to the SC/ST community. Therefore, 33 per cent of the state Budget should be allocated and utilised for their development. However, only 5 per cent of the Budget is currently allotted and even that is not fully utilised for our welfare, with funds often diverted to other purposes, which is a big injustice to our community.”
The Manch recommended that Himachal Pradesh adopt a law similar to the Telangana SC/ST Development Fund Act to ensure transparency, accountability and legal protection for SC/ST budget allocations.
The delegation also raised concerns over the decline in permanent government job recruitment and called for the strict implementation of reservation rosters in all government and semi-government hiring processes. They further demanded the restoration of SC/ST scholarships, which they claimed have either been suspended or disbursed irregularly.
The minister assured the delegation that their concerns would be considered on a priority basis. He also pledged legal action against individuals involved in spreading caste-based hate.
