Irrespective of the party which rules the State, the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (previously known as Special Component Plan) has not been implemented properly and is derelict and this shows the indifference of parties to the cause of Dalits, said P.Sivakami, founder president, Samooga Samathuva Padai and former Civil Services Officer.
Addressing a seminar SCSP and discussion on ‘Special Component Plan/Scheduled Castes Sub Plan for the socio-economic development of Dalits,' on Saturday, she said that SCSP has various small components and if it had been properly implemented would have made significant difference to the everyday lives of Dalits.
The indifference of the rulers was to such an extent that the respective governments did not even prepare and publish the ‘Citizens Charter on the SCSP'. Ms.Sivakami also alleged that for many other schemes advertisements were given on a large-scale but when it comes to SCSP no advertisements were given.
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Under the scheme, both Central and State governments were to allocate funds to the SCSP in proportion to the percentage of Dalits in the population with a priority for education and public health.
However, statistics released at the event says that 13,936 Crore rupees is the amount that has eluded the Dalits during the last 14 years starting from the year 1995-96 under the Special funds earmarked for Adi Dravidar welfare have been diverted in the past.
Stalin Rajangam writer and Lecturer, American College, said that the SCP was introduced by Indira Gandhi during the turbulent period of emergency as an instrument of rapid development of Dalits. K. John Moses, State general secretary, Janata Dal (Secular), said that Dalits should identify their real representatives and work tirelessly like Ambedkar towards liberation.
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Explaining the idea of the seminar, Rajni, convenor, Centre for Dalit Solidarity, said that it was important to have discussions and debates about the SCSP, which would have benefited the Dalits in a great way by improving their socio-economic condition.
Chandrabose of Thiyagi Immanuel Peravai said that the Puducherry Government had properly implemented SCSP. Balakrishnan, Lecturer, Arul Anandar College, said that Dalits should read Ambedkar's thoughts clearly and capture the elements of power both at the civil societal level and cultural spheres. Dalits should either capture power or become strong political players, said Guru Vijayan, Bahujan Samaj Party.