Minister for Social Welfare H. Anjaneya on Sunday criticised the Union government for not implementing any welfare programmes for the poor and claimed that the Congress government in the State had unveiled many programmes for the economically and socially backward people including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Speaking to presspersons here, the Minister said that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s poll promises have remained only promises whereas the Siddaramaiah government has been fulfilling the aspirations of the weaker sections in the State. The recently enacted SCs/ STs Sub-Plan Act envisages earmarking of 24 per cent of the budget allocations to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The funds so earmarked would be utilised without there being any lapses, he said.
Mr. Anjaneya also mentioned about the Vidyasiri programme, launched by his department, wherein the beneficiary student would get Rs. 1,500 for 10 months towards boarding and lodging facilities in the event of the student not getting department-run hostel accommodation. The department plans to offer Vidyasiri to 50,000 students this year, he said.
The Minister said the department would bear the cost of construction of the Ambedkar Bhavan in Mangaluru. Dalit Sangharsh Samiti of the district had approached him and he gave them a positive assurance. The department has also sanctioned Rs. 1 crore for the construction of the Kudmul Ranga Rao building, he added.
On the issue of appointment of Dalit priests in Muzrai temples, Mr. Anjaneya said the government would take suitable measures after holding wide consultations and discussions with the concerned. He claimed that Congress is the only party providing opportunities to all communities, castes and classes whereas BJP is only for one class and one community.
He also exhorted the Congress workers to be optimistic. They need not get disheartened over the recent election results.
