Deputy chief minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, on Saturday, stated that he was ready to submit his resignation from the post if the government fails to provide constitutional status to SC/ST sub-plan funds.
Participating in a cabinet sub-committee meeting about the implementation of SC/ST sub-plan funds, at Ambedkar Bhavan in Kakinada, Damodar Rajanarasimha said that a special legislation should be enacted for the implementation of the SC/ST sub-plan to prevent the diversion of funds being allocated for their welfare.
Stating that SCs and STs, together, constitute 23% of the population, he said that welfare of the targeted sections would be possible only if the funds are utilized properly.
He said that he was ready to resign from his post if the government fails to make a special law, with constitutional status, in this regard. He added that suggestions from all organizations would be taken during implementation.
Political awareness amongst Dalits would be possible only if all the unorganized groups in the SC/STs unite and work collectively for their welfare, he averred.
Minister of state for Defence M Pallam Raju, minister for Animal Husbandry And Welfare Vishwa Roop P, minister for Stamps And Registration Thota Narsimham, minister for Social Welfare Pithani Satyanarayana, and MLCs participated in the meeting. (INN)