The representatives of all opposition parties have favoured a separate Sub-Plan for Backward Classes on the lines of SC, ST Sub-Plans.
Addressing the “All Party Round Table Meeting” at Backward Classes Center for Empowerment in Himayat Nagar on Saturday, Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council said that the State Government should introduce a BC Sub-Plan to ensure focused development of BCs. He pointed out that the previous Congress regime introduced Sub-Plans for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. He said that the Congress party had promised to introduce Sub-Plans for BCs and Minorities in its manifesto for 2014 elections.
Announcing his party’s complete support to the movement for BC Sub-Plan, Shabbir Ali said that the development of Backward Classes was possible only by ensuring total utilisation of funds allocated for their welfare. He pointed out that as against the allocation of Rs. 1,840 Crore during 2014-15, only Rs. 1309 Crore were released while remaining Rs. 531 crore or nearly 30% budget lapsed. Similarly, this year, of Rs. 2,172 Crore, only Rs. 804.06 crore has been released. He said the BC Sub-Plan would ensure that allocated funds do not lapse and are carried forward. He also asked the State Government to extend the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme to BCs.
Shabbir Ali accused that the State Government of completely neglecting the welfare of BCs. He said of 18 ministers in KCRs cabinet, 10 belong to upper castes while SC, ST, BCs and Minorities who constitute almost 90% of the total population are represented by just eight ministers. He also expressed concern over non-filling of posts and lack of funds in various corporations meant for BCs. He said Backward Classes have no share in power or funds.
TDP Rajya Sabha MP T. Devender Goud asked the State Government to consider the backwardness of BCs as a social problem and take steps for their educational, social and economic empowerment. BJP floor leader in Assembly Dr. K. Lakshman too said that the BC Sub-Plan was the only solution to take BCs on the path of development. He said that the government was trying to to satisfy the community by making budget allocations. However, no steps were being taken to ensure their release and spending.
CPI leader Chada Venkat Reddy, CPM Secretary T. Veerabhadram, CPI MLA Ravinder, Prof. Vishveshwar Rao, Prof. Murali Mohan and other eminent personalities participated in the Round Table discussion. (INN)