The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has unveiled a ₹337.23-crore action plan for 2024-25, emphasising a wide range of welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of marginalised communities, particularly SC/ST groups, including the city’s pourakarmikas, who maintain approximately 14,000 km of roads. The draft focuses on enhancing access to education, employment, and housing for disadvantaged communities.
Welfare for Pourakarmikas and SC/ST Communities
A significant portion of the budget has been allocated for the betterment of the SC/ST population, with particular attention to the children of pourakarmikas, the backbone of the city’s cleanliness and maintenance efforts. The civic body has earmarked funds for providing laptops, electric two-wheelers, and auto-rickshaws to the children of these workers, a move aimed at empowering the next generation and improving their access to education and employment.
Housing Assistance
One of the major highlights of the action plan is the allocation of ₹81 crore under the Onti Mane scheme. This initiative offers financial assistance of ₹5 lakh to individuals for the construction of houses, a significant step toward addressing housing challenges faced by the city’s poor and marginalised communities.
Focus on Education
The BBMP has also allocated ₹9 crore to support higher education among SC/ST communities. This funding will help students from these backgrounds pursue advanced studies, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty through educational opportunities. In addition, the civic body has extended financial assistance to workers in burial grounds and public parks, many of whom belong to underprivileged communities.
To further promote educational advancement, the plan includes ₹8 crore for students from other backward classes (OBCs) and minority communities to prepare for competitive exams. Additionally, ₹3 crore has been earmarked for higher education initiatives for these groups.
Support for Specially Challenged Persons and Other Marginalised Groups
In a bid to promote inclusivity, the BBMP has also set aside funds for specially challenged persons, sports enthusiasts, and other marginalised groups such as transgenders and senior citizens. A total of ₹9.50 crore has been allocated for providing vehicles, laptops, and other necessary tools to enhance the quality of life for these individuals.
Conclusion
With its ₹337.23-crore action plan for 2024-25, the BBMP aims to provide holistic support to the city’s underprivileged communities, particularly SC/ST groups. The initiatives span across sectors such as education, employment, housing, and inclusivity, representing a comprehensive effort to uplift marginalised sections of society. Through this plan, the civic body underscores its commitment to creating a more equitable city for all.