Backward classes development department lacks district office despite 12 years of establishment

KOCHI: The backward classes development department, which was started 12 years ago for the 65 percent backward population of the state, does not have even a district office yet. The benefit can be availed only after reaching the regional office across the second and third districts.

The finance minister returned the file opened in October 2021 in the administration department seeking permission from the district offices five times. It was sent by the Chief Minister both times. The chief minister gave one to the chief secretary. The file BCDD-A1/345/2021 is languishing in the administration department and the finance department 145 times in spite of being handled by officials.

The finance minister returned the file twice, saying that it would be considered later and twice, suggesting that it be submitted after the election. Normally, if it is folded three times, it is customary to leave it to the decision of the cabinet. Departmental Minister K. Radhakrishnan had again sent the file to the Chief Minister on 13th of last month before he resigned. The Chief Minister again left it to the Finance Minister on 27th. The file returned by the minister is now with the Finance Undersecretary.

District offices are essential for proper disbursement of backward class funds by central and state governments. Apart from the head office in Thiruvananthapuram, it operates through regional offices in Kollam, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Kozhikode.