Bengaluru: The Siddaramaiah administration on Friday greenlit a comprehensive action plan valued at Rs 39,121.46 crore aimed at SC/ST welfare, with 37% of these funds earmarked for Congress’ flagship guarantee schemes this fiscal year.
From the SC/ST sub-plans allocation, Rs 14,730.53 crore will be directed towards these guarantee schemes, with funds distributed based on the number of SC/ST beneficiaries. “Through guarantees, we’re providing benefits to SC/STs,” Siddaramaiah asserted.
However, the Opposition BJP has voiced strong objections, alleging that the Congress government is diverting funds meant for Dalits. “If Babasaheb Ambedkar was alive, he’d have probably taken the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government to task,” stated Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka.
Siddaramaiah robustly defended the decision, highlighting the state’s commitment to ensuring that sub-plans money is used for SC/STs. He questioned the BJP’s efforts, asking, “Has any BJP-ruled state implemented this law? Has the Centre introduced this law?” He also noted, “We’ve already done away with a provision under which money was ‘deemed’ to have been provided for SC/STs.”
With 1.3 crore SC/ST beneficiaries, excluding those under the Shakti scheme (free bus travel for women), the impact is expected to be substantial. Karnataka, which followed Andhra Pradesh in enacting the SC/ST sub-plans law in 2013, has consistently advocated for a similar federal law.
The government plans to enhance monthly financial assistance for SC/ST civil services aspirants from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 and establish a hostel with a quality library in New Delhi for these students, Siddaramaiah announced.
Anticipating Rs 1,327 crore in savings under the sub-plans this fiscal year, Siddaramaiah mentioned suggestions to allocate these funds for slum development and the Kalyana Karnataka region. Additionally, Rs 91 crore will be allocated to provide laptops for SC/ST postgraduate students.
This year will also see the introduction of residential schools for SC/ST children in 60 hoblis. “Existing residential schools will have a reservation of 75% for local students, with the remaining from other districts,” Siddaramaiah confirmed.