Protest held over SC/ ST Sub-Plan

Hyderabad: The Kula Vivaksha Porata Samiti (KVPS) on Wednesday demanded that the SC/ST Sub-Plan be implemented in letter and spirit. At a dharna programme conducted in front of the Social Welfare building at Masab Tank, about 200 activists including those from Mahabubnagar, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda districts, besides the city took part.They lamented that the Sub-Plan came into being after a tough battle with government and several sacrifices, but despite 10 months of its existence, the government failed to enact it.

Speaking on the occasion, R Sriram Naik, state general secretary of Girijana Sangham recalled that the government promised to implement it from this year but it appears to be in no mood to implement it, he said. While John Wesly, the state general secretary of KVPS, pointed out that that dalits were supposed to get funds to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore, the government had only spent Rs 1,356 crore. “Water, roads and toilets continue to remain a major problem in most of the areas”, he pointed out.

On the issue of social welfare hostels, he said that the mess charges did not increase as per the cost of living and since 2008. State vice president, Sagar called upon the activists for continuing dharna programmes at district Collectorates between November 25 and 30.

Later, the additional director Tribal welfare wing, Ch Virabhadrudu met the leaders at dharna point and assured them of resolving their problems. Joint director, Social Welfare, Rayachandra also assured that he would convey their demands to the government.