Rs 1,000 Crore To Be Spent On Dalit Welfare: KCR

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today asserted that a Dalit empowerment program would be implemented in the state till the community was fully developed and brought into the mainstream.

Speaking at an all-party meet at the Pragathi Bhavan, Rao announced that Rs 1,000 crore would be spent on a special package for Dalit empowerment in Telangana.

He added, "To strengthen the Dalits, our government will, if necessary, allocate an additional Rs 500 crore for their welfare and development. The new empowerment program will be implemented in addition to the existing SC Sub-Plan. We will spend about Rs 35,000 crore to Rs 45,000 crore on it over the next four years."

At the meeting, the CM also discussed with the representatives of various parties the challenges and strategies of strengthening the Dalit community in the state, and sought their suggestions for the implementation of a phased plan of action.

Expressing serious concern over the atrocities being committed against the Dalits, he said that it was only government action and the concerted efforts of all the parties of the state that could safeguard and promote the interests of the marginalised group, and reiterated, "Our government will look to the Opposition for support in its bid to empower Dalits in a systematic manner. This is the time to take collective action by coming together and transcending our political differences."

KCR stressed the need to devise a transparent mechanism for the provision of direct financial help to Dalit families as well as to ensure the availability of jobs and stable employment opportunities for the community to help Dalits become economically empowered.

The CPI leaders attending the meet articulated their satisfaction with the CM's promises to work towards the empowerment of the disadvantaged caste.

The leaders who were present for the meeting include SC Development Minister Koppula Eeshwar, Congress leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, CPI Secretary Chada Venkat Reddy, CPM Secretary Thammineni Veerabhadram, MIM MLA Syed Ahmed Pasha Qadri, Telangana State SC and ST Commission chairman Errolla Srinivas. While the BJP boycotted the meeting, a Dalit leader from the party, Motkupally Narsimhulu, was present for the discussions.