Ahead of the budget, Dalit and minority intellectuals and activists have sought the CPI(M)?s support to push for a sub plan for minorities and an enhanced allocation for Dalits across the country. Among other things, they have demanded that the government help the Dalits and minorities access to the Capital market and income earning assets, proper land distribution and more livelihood opportunities.
In a first of its kind move, the KR Narayanan center for Dalit and Minority Studies at Jamia Milia Islamia here has passed a resolution on Dalit Budget and sent a copy to the finance ministry. The resolution emphatically argues that there is a laxity from the parts of governments to implement the special component plan meant for scheduled castes.
??There are provisions to allot at least 16.7% of the ministry-wise allocation for the progress of Dalits. Unfortunately these funds are getting diverted to other projects,?? the director of the Centre Mujataba Khan told FE. The resolution demanded the Centre to make proper arrangements in the budget to avoid this diversion of funds.
Interestingly, the Centre had approached the CPI(M) also to pressurise the Centre on the scheduled sub plan. “We had given a copy of the resolution to the CPI(M) politburo. They have offered their help to push the proposals,” Khan added.
The Centre is also organising a workshop of MPs from all parties on the minority sub plan also. “Only the CPI(M) has come forward supporting the minority sub plan. Our effort is to find a consensus on the issue. Members from all parties, including the BJP, are invited for the workshop,” Khan added.
Meanwhile, the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, an organization representing the Dalit issue has also approached the finance ministry with a charter of demands. The organisation has demanded for setting up of separate ministry of Progression of Scgeduled Castes. They have also asked the government to appoint a joint secretary to look after the SC sub plan.