MP govt diverts SC/ST welfare funds to Gau Kalyan Kosh, reports of atrocities on Dalits pour in from across the country

The recent frequent attacks on Dalits are becoming a matter of concern and alarm bells are ringing about their safety as several incidents of brutal attacks and violence against the marginalised society of this country have come to light through media reports and social media.

SC/ST welfare funds diverted for cow welfare in Madhya Pradesh

SC/ST welfare funds in Madhya Pradesh were diverted for the welfare of cows, museums and religious places. According to documents reviewed by HT, out of the ?252 crore earmarked for cow welfare (Gau Samvardhan and Pashu Samvardhan), ?95.76 crore has been allocated from the SC/ST sub-plan. The cow welfare fund has increased from about ?90 crore last year.

For the redevelopment of six religious places, nearly half of the funds allocated for the current fiscal year are from the SC/ST sub-plan. In the budget presented in July, the government announced ?109 crore for the development of Sri Devi Mahalok, Salkanpur, Sehore, Sant Sri Ravidas Mahalok, Sagar, Sri Ram Raja Mahalok Orchha, Sri Ramchandra Vanvasi-Mahalok, Chitrakoot and the memorial of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Gwalior.

Madhya Pradesh is the second state after Karnataka to divert funds from the SC/ST sub-plan for other schemes. Karnataka decided to draw ?14,000 crore from the sub-plan to fund its welfare scheme, following which the National Commission for Scheduled Castes had issued a show-cause notice to the state’s chief secretary seeking an explanation. The ST sub-plan was introduced in 1974 and the SC sub-plan in 1979-80 to implement the provisions of Article 46 of the Constitution, which provides for states to take care of promoting the education and economic interests of the weaker sections. Under this scheme, the Central Government provides 100% special assistance to the states for their SC/ST sub-plans.

Courtesy : Hindi News