Mangaluru: Minister for Social Welfare H. Anjaneya on Sunday criticized the Union government for not implementing any programs for the welfare of the poor and claimed that the Congress government in the State has introduced many programs for the economically and socially backward people including the Scheduled Cases (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Speaking to the reporters here in the city, the Minister said that the Bharatiya Janata Party’s poll promises have remained only promises whereas the Siddaramaiah government has been fulfilling the aspirations of the weaker sections in the State.
He gave example of the recently enacted SCs/STs Sub-Plan Act envisages earmarking of 24 percent of the budget allocations (Rs 15,834 crore) to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. The funds so earmarked would be utilized without there being any lapses, he said.
He further said that the Vidyasiri programme, which was launched by his department, would provide Rs 1,500 for 10 months towards boarding and lodging facilities to the beneficiary student, in the event of the student not getting department-run hostel accommodation. The department plans to offer Vidyasiri to 50,000 students this year, he said.
Mr. Anjaneya also said the department would bear the cost of construction of the Ambedkar Bhavan in Mangaluru. “Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) in Mangaluru had approached him with a request to construct the long-pending Ambedkar Bhavan. We have also sanctioned Rs 1 crore for Kudmul Ranga Rao building,” he said.
On a question about reservation for the poor among the upper classes, he said, “There will be caste census in April and after which we’ll have a meeting and decide on this. Social justice should reach everyone; poverty is not confined to any particular class or community. It is the responsibility of government to provide social justice to all.”
Regarding appointment of Muzrai temple priests from the Dalit community, he said, “The government has plans and the process is on. After holding discussions, studying and considering the merits and demerits of the plan, appropriate steps will be taken.
“Congress is the only party which provides opportunities to all communities, castes and classes. In BJP there is no such provision, it is only for one class and community,” Anjaneya said.
Addressing Congress party workers, he said, “Congress workers need not feel disheartened about the loss in elections. Seeing BJP’s performances now, people will vote in favour of Congress in the next elections. Hence we must all work without losing faith.”
Asked to respond to BJP leader Eshwarappa’s statement that Congress government was filled with ‘fattened sheep’, Anjaneya said, “Eshwarappa is the sacrificial goat of BJP. He cannot do anything.”
MLAs J R Lobo, Mohiuddin Bava and Shakuntala Shetty, Kodijal Ibrahim were also present.
