TDP Demands SC-ST Commissions

D Veerabhadra Rao, the leader of the Opposition in the state Legislative Council, on Tuesday, slammed the state government for diverting funds meant for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Participating in the debate on the SC-ST Sub-Plan Bill in the Council, Veerabhadra Rao alleged that the government has misused or diverted Rs. 9,270 crore since 2005.

Citing an example, he said Rs. 28 crore meant for SC & ST welfare was used for the construction of Necklace Road. Similarly, he said, funds were diverted to other departments and works, including Roads and Buildings, HMDA, GHMC and Metro Rail, and even for the development of Pulivendula constituency.

He said that these diversions were primarily responsible for the backwardness of the SCs and STs in AP.

Veerabhadra Rao demanded that the government constitute separate commissions for SCs and STs, and that they be headed by retired Chief Justices of the High Court or sitting judges. Further, he said that the senior minister of the district concerned should be put in charge of the nodal agency to implement the SC-ST Sub-Plan, added that he/she should be answerable to the state Council.

Pointing out that there was no provision to punish the authorities responsible for the diversion or misuse of funds, he demanded that such a provision be made by making necessary amendments in the bill.

The TDP leader also demanded that the SC-ST Sub-Plan be presented first during the annual budget session. He also asked the government to implement the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee's recommendation of distributing 50 lakh acres of land among the SCs & STs in the state.

Participating in the debate, Congress MLC MS Prabhakar suggested that December 2 be observed as SC-ST Day to mark the passing of a Sub-plan Bill in the state Legislative Assembly. He said the SC-ST Sub-Plan should also be included in school textbooks as a chapter.

Congress MLCs Reddipa Reddy and Chengarayudu, CPI MLCs J Wilson and Ch Sitaramulu and Rajeshwar Rao (Graduates constituency) also took part in the debate. (INN)