Bengaluru: Feb 27: Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, has called for the protection of funds allocated for Dalits under the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) in the upcoming budget. Speaking at a press conference at the BJP state office, Narayanaswamy emphasized that these funds should not be diverted for other guarantees.
Narayanaswamy highlighted that previous governments had allocated land to landless individuals through various corporations, including Ambedkar Corporation and Adi Jambava Corporation. However, he alleged that despite earmarking Rs 39,000 crore, only Rs 500 crore was distributed to these corporations.
He criticized the use of Dalit funds for guarantees, stating that it is inappropriate to divert money reserved for Dalits for other purposes. Narayanaswamy also pointed out that Dalit graduates have not received adequate support for employment, loans, or self-employment opportunities. He accused the Congress government of failing to provide essential resources such as cars and housing for Dalits.
Narayanaswamy further claimed that the Congress government’s promises of guarantees were merely election gimmicks. He noted that Rs 52,000 crore had been allocated for guarantees in the last budget, but questioned the actual implementation of these promises.
The Leader of Opposition expressed concern over the misuse of funds allocated for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, calling it a significant fraud. He urged the government to ensure that these funds are used exclusively for the intended beneficiaries.
BJP state vice-president N. Mahesh supported Narayanaswamy’s stance, emphasizing the need for assistance to SC and ST communities for property construction and self-employment. He noted that the work of seven development corporations had come to a standstill.
Retired IAS officer Lakshminarayan, state spokesperson Venkatesh Dodderi, and party leader Anil Kumar were also present at the press conference.
