Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of Cabinet Sub-Committee on SC/ST Sub Plan funds C. Damodar Rajanarasimha here on Monday said that the issue of diversion of SC/ST sub-plan funds would be discussed with the heads of all departments and Rs 1,500 crores, which have been diverted for other purposes in the last three years, would be brought back to the fund and utilized on education of SC and ST students.
Speaking to the media after first meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee in his chamber in the Secretariat, Rajanarsimha said that improvement of facilities and infrastructure would be given top priority in spending Rs 1,500 crores. The cabinet sub-committee has initiated an in-depth discussion on SC/ST sub-plan, which was launched in 1975-76, he said. The committee also discussed about diversion of funds, loopholes and mistakes in the implementation of the scheme.
Damodar said that the cabinet sub-committee would henceforth hold meeting on every Monday and would submit report to the Chief Minister in 50 to 55 days. The suggestions from the departments concerned, recognized SC, ST organizations and NGOs would be sought by the cabinet sub-committee. The officials concerned have been directed to send reports to the sub-committee on construction of hostels, facilities and infrastructure to be developed in the hostels, he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that three regional meetings would be conducted to receive suggestions from the stake holders. The departments concerned would release statements in two days and the SC/ST bodies and NGOs would submit their suggestions and views in 15 to 20 days after it.
The cabinet sub-committee members – Dr J Geetha Reddy, Dr Sailajanath, Dokka Manikhya Varaprasada Rao, Erasu Prathap Reddy and Anam Ramanarayana Reddy were also present. (NSS)