A delegation of Dalit Bahujan Front (DBF), led by its president Korivi Vinaya Kumar, called on Chief Minister K. Rosaiah on Tuesday and demanded a discussion in the Assembly on ‘neglect of Dalit welfare' and ‘improper implementation of schemes meant for their uplift'.
In a memorandum, they wanted government to publish a white paper on the funds allocated to SC and ST welfare and how they were spent.
They sought implementation of the Koneru Ranga Rao Committee report on government land distribution. Among those who expressed support to the front's agitation at a public meeting and a ‘Chalo Assembly' rally at Indira Park earlier were CPI(M) State secretariat member Y.V. Rao, CPI State council member K. Ramakrishna, Jalli Wilson, MLC, RPI president Bojja Tarakam and new State BJP president G. Kishan Reddy.
Mr. Vinaya Kumar said of an estimated Rs.1,500 crore allocated for SC/ST welfare in 2009-10, the government only spent Rs.700 crore, with the rest remaining either unspent or diverted.
