Malas decry diversion of SC/ST Sub-Plan funds

Hyderabad: Several Dalit activists resolved to launch mass movement against the State government for the proper implementation of the SC, ST Sub-Plan (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act, 2013, and decided to submit their representation to the Planning Commission, in view of the Central government’s overtures towards introducing SC/ ST Special Plan Act, on similar lines of AP.

Mala Sankshema Sangham (MSS) held a big debate at Ravindra Bharathi on Saturday, where several loopholes and the diversion of Sub Plan funds to others projects was identified.

Addressing the gathering, MSS founder Battula Ramprasad said that out of the budget released for the SC/ST sub plan, only 10 per cent of the funds were being used on projects directly benefiting the SCs and STs. Severely criticising the contents of the Act, he said besides not including the minimum principles of implementing the projects, the accountability of officials who implemented the project was not specified in the Act. He also took strong objection to the 11 (d) clause in the Act, which allowed the allotment of funds to departments other than the SC/ST welfare departments.

He said that though the Centre’s move to bring about a national plan for the SCs and STs was very much a welcome decision, he warned that the sup plan in AP should not be taken as a role model for that act.

Mala Mahanadu, founder member Erramalla Ramulu said that no suggestions were taken from the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, before enacting the Sub Plan and alleged that the Chief Minister was resorting to publicity stunts by asking the villagers what projects they wanted in their areas, when on the other hand there was no budget for the projects and when the implementation wasn't even happening.

He warned the SCs and STs, who were thinking that the government would do its job in implementing the Sub Plan, that it was too dangerous to be quiet at this time. He asked why the Sub Plan budget was being diverted for building ring road, installing computers in revenue department, Musi river beautification and for other projects in Chittoor District.