The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Wednesday staged a walkout in protest against the “failure of the government” to set aside 16% of the budget for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes.
Raising the issue during zero hour, party leader in the House A. Anbalagan said every year the budget speech would clearly state the funds allocated for the Scheduled Castes sub-plan. This year’s budget did not mention funds allocated for Scheduled Castes, he said.
Dharna in the House
Not satisfied with the reply given by Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy, the four AIADMK members trooped into the well of the House and staged a dharna inside the well.
On the request of the Chief Minister, they resumed their seats but later they staged a walkout seeking an inquiry into the lapse. The Chief Minister said adequate funds would be allocated for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and assured the House that the government would not divert the funds allotted for the welfare of Adi Dravidar community.
