The bill was passed after a long debate on the issue, with opposition members suggesting several amendments.
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Sunday passed the SC-ST Sub-Plan Bill 2012.
The bill was passed after a long debate on the issue, with opposition members suggesting several amendments.
"Let us pass the bill unanimously to show our solidarity with the cause," Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said while concluding his reply to the debate that began on Saturday.
However, the main opposition parties were unanimous in insisting that the bill carry the proposed amendments.
TDP MLA P Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that the bill in its present form was not complete.
"We are not against the bill. What we want is some clarification," he said, while complaining that the documents that were extensively quoted were not made available to the members. He was referring to the recommendations of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on SC-ST Sub-Plan.
Earlier, the Chief Minister assured the House that all steps would be taken to ensure proper implementation of the bill. He said that it was aimed at the empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the state by ensuring that the funds meant for their welfare are spent for the purpose for which they were sanctioned.
He said that the bill was drafted by covering all aspects, including lapses of funds and their diversions.
"The utilisation of Central funds has also bee covered in the bill, he said.
Later, the Chief Minister also clarified that the amendments proposed by the opposition members would be covered under Legislation, the Executive Order or Rules.
However, the Amendment No. 12 suggested by Ashok Gajapathi Raju, seeking the spending of funds as per the SC categorisation, proved a major bottleneck in passing the bill. While the opposition parties insisted on accepting the amendment, the CM said that it was not possible legally as the Supreme Court has scrapped the SC categorisation.
"When the categorisation does not exist, then how can spending be done under ABCD categories?" he asked.
With both sides sticking to their stands, the Speaker called for a division. While 47 members voted in favour of Amendment No. 12, as many as 67 voted against it, and therefore, the amendment was dropped.
While the process of counting was on, the Speaker gave the floor leaders an opportunity to express their views on the issue.
Ashok Gajapathi Raju clarified that the TDP was not against the bill, and that it only wanted the categorisation clause to be added as the resolution categorising SCs was passed by the same House earlier. He said that in case of any confusion, the Advocate General might be called to the House.
Etala Rajender (TRS), Y S Vijayamma (YSRCP), Akbaruddin Owaisi (MIM), G Mallesh (CPI), J Ranga Reddy (CPM), G Kishan Reddy (BJP) and Jayaprakash Narayan (Lok Satta) said that they were not against the bill, and said that it should be passed.
Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, who led the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Sub-Plan, informed the House that certain clauses have already been included to ensure that the spirit of categorisation is carried in the bill, and that all sections of SCs and STs enjoy the benefits of the Sub-Plan.
After debating the amendments for about two hours, the bill was finally passed with a voice vote. Later, the Speaker also adjourned the Assembly sine die. (INN)