The Hindu : Fishermen stand to gain most from 'boons'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Jul 05, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

Fishermen stand to gain most from 'boons'

By Our Special Correspondent

Hyderabad July 4. The action plan for BC component of the `One crore boon' gives the lion's share of Rs. 82 crores to the hitherto neglected castes like Pallekaru, Mudiraj and Agni Kula Kshatriya, all engaged in fishing.

Following the next are Gollas and Yadavas with an allocation of Rs. 71 crores. A GO issued today categorised the occupations of BCs into 12 major groups, each covering some castes, and spelt out schemes with suitable allocation. It covers at least 50 out of the State-listed 93 castes. The leftover groups have been brought under `micro finance' with an allocation of Rs. 50 crores. These castes like Budabukkala, Pamula, Chattada Srivaishnava and Veeramusthi can claim assistance for self-help venture of any type. It will cover 1.03 lakh beneficiaries.

The order is based on the recommendations made by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on BCs.

For the first time, the GO acknowledges that BCs constitute half of the State's population, an oft-repeated slogan of the BC organisations.

The action plan provides Rs. 34.9 crores for schemes covering weavers, Rs. 30 crores for carpenters, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, brass-smiths, Rs. 19.8 crores for tree-tapping, Rs. 17.50 crores for cattle-rearers, Rs. 8.12 crores for hair-dressing occupation covering Nayee Brahmins, Rs. 22 crores for washermen (Rajakas) and Rs. 5 crores for tailoring (Dharjees).

An encouraging aspect is that Vadderas (stone-cutters) have almost come on a par with dominant sections with Rs. 22.50-crore allocation.

They can claim aid for not only `crowbar and spades'' but also to set up crushers with big machines. Another saving grace is that Kummaris who did not figure in any of the BC schemes so far, have been given Rs. 10 crores. Creation of another occupation `oil extraction' with Rs. 5 crore allocation is expected to extend the coverage to a large number of castes. The action plan will benefit about 15 lakh beneficiaries.

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