BENGALURU: In line with his agenda to improve the lot of backward classes, CM Siddaramaiah held discussions with several leaders, including those of Kuruba Sangh, ahead of presentation of the budget on March 18.
Speaking to DC, a senior leader who attended the meeting observed that various issues affecting the progress of those belonging to BCs. “The Kuruba Sangh which spearheaded the causes of backward classes demanded introduction of quota system in allotment of sites by government agencies. Apart from this, Kuruba Sangh also demanded that the state government to announce a special package of Rs 100 crore to improve the socio-economic conditions of nomadic and semi nomadic tribes,” the leader added. The leader said members who attended the meeting also demanded Mr Siddaramaiah to ensure cent percent implementation of reservation system while allocating contract works. “Contract system exists but sans reservation. Be it class 1 or class 3 contract works, all these works must be awarded on the basis of quota system. Otherwise, it will give free run for other powerful communities,” he added.
Dalits seek fair deal in budget
Dalit leaders on Friday urged the government to dedicate a separate building for functioning of all wings of the social welfare department. During a pre-budget meeting with CM Siddaramaiah here on Friday, these leaders, including Dalit poet Siddalingaiah, Sridhar Kaliveera, Lakshminarayana Nagavara, and Mavalli Shankar, urged the CM to announce construction of a new building during his budget speech scheduled for March 18. Meanwhile, leaders belonging to STs sought an increase in quota for people belonging to their community as well as enhancement in allocation for social welfare department. The main demand of Dalit leaders was constitution of division-wise committees to look into complaints in hostels built for SC/ST students.
They felt that though various issues were highlighted by media, officials in Bengaluru must look into problems across the state. They urged the CM to instruct the officials to spend money allocated by social welfare department judiciously as lion’s share of funds remained unutilized.
