The Confederation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes’ Organisations has called on the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) to recommend the creation of central legislation ensuring dedicated budgetary allocation for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) across India.
In a memorandum addressed to NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana, Confederation president Lolaksha highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by a significant portion of the SC community. Despite various welfare schemes, many continue to experience social exclusion, economic deprivation, and political marginalisation.
“To bridge the gaps in development indicators, the Union government should enact a central law ensuring budgetary allocations specifically for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, their families, and their communities,” Lolaksha said. He pointed to the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan [Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources] Act, 2013, as a potential model for national implementation.
Lolaksha also recommended that, given the distinctive nature of the Union Budget, proportionate allocations be made in key sectors such as housing, social justice, agriculture, industry, employment, training, labour, and services. “We urge you to send a prompt recommendation to the Union government on this matter,” he added.
In addition, Lolaksha expressed concerns over the Karnataka government’s efforts to divide the SC community through internal reservations, arguing that family income should be the key criterion for allocating reservations within the 101 castes designated as Scheduled Castes in the state.
He further appealed to the NCSC to take legal action against those responsible for issuing fraudulent caste certificates, which have allegedly deprived deserving individuals of their rightful benefits. “Thousands of fake caste certificates have been issued, undermining the rights of genuine Scheduled Castes,” he noted.
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