Do Not Link Criminals to Caste, Says Sathibabu
Sathibabu said the government's focus was to strengthen the livelihoods of the Settibalija, Goud and allied communities and urged people not to encourage criminals or criminal activities.
Kakinada: Andhra Pradesh Settibalija Corporation chairman Kudipudi Sathibabu on Sunday said criminals should not be identified or judged on the basis of caste, adding that the law should take its own course against offenders.
Addressing the media in Rajamahendravaram, Sathibabu said it was irresponsible to associate rowdy sheets with any particular caste, as it unfairly tarnishes the image of an entire community. He alleged that attempts were being made to divide society through caste politics.
He said the corporation had implemented several welfare and development programmes for the Settibalija community over the past one-and-a-half years. He added that the government had responded positively to proposals seeking reservation for the community in liquor shop allotments and opportunities in the allocation of vacant bar licences.
Sathibabu said the government's focus was to strengthen the livelihoods of the Settibalija, Goud and allied communities and urged people not to encourage criminals or criminal activities.
He said proposals had also been submitted to provide special incentives for toddy tappers, including financial assistance of Rs.15,000 under the Adarana scheme for purchasing tools and vehicles with a lower beneficiary contribution.
He said the proposed Neera Project would promote value-added toddy-based industries. In the first phase, 50 youths from the Rampachodavaram area would receive training and two production units would be established. Each unit is expected to generate economic activity worth about Rs 3 crore and create employment opportunities for rural youth.
