CM Tables SC-ST Sub Plan Bill

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said that the SC ST Sub Plan Bill 2012 is aimed at bringing social justice and providing equal opportunities to marginalised sections of the society.

Tabling the bill in the Assembly on Friday, Kiran Kumar Reddy said the provisions of the bill would come into effect from the financial year 2013-14, and that they would be in place for the next 10 years.

"The bill aims at spending funds allocated to SC-ST welfare for the intended purpose, and prohibits the diversion of funds to any other sector. There will a social audit annually, and accountability figures high on the government's agenda," he said.

"The idea of the Sub-Plan was first mooted by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi way back in the early 70s," he said, adding that his government was committed to the welfare of SCs and STs.

Members were asked to submit suggestions, amendments or objections to the bill, if any, to Assembly Speaker Nadendla Manohar, by 3pm on Friday.

The adjournment motion moved by Majis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who demanded that the government place the Cabinet Sub-Committee report before the House, was disallowed by Speaker Nadendla Manohar.

The bill was drafted after a 9-member cabinet sub-committee, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha, toured all districts for 90 days and submitted its 190-page report.

A special session was convened to pass the bill, which will not allow the diversion of funds earmarked for SC-ST Welfare to other areas. The bill also required that all the funds allocated be spent within the stipulated time.

The House was adjourned after the bill was introduced. Members will study the bill, and a discussion will take place in the next two days, before it is passed.

Though no opposition is expected in passing the bill, the government will face tough questions over funds in the past.

The proposal for a similar bill for BC welfare and minority welfare may also crop up during the discussion. (INN)