Opposition uproar in assembly over massive cut in funds for SC/ST

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition fiercely alleged the government of cutting down funds and allocations including scholarships earlier allocated for Scheduled Tribes. MLA A.P. Anilkumar, who moved the adjournment motion notice, accused the government of not having backward classes on its priority list and termed the current government as anti-Dalit and anti-tribal.

However, Ministers O. R. Kelu and K. N. Balagopal replied that funds have been set aside in proportion to the scheduled tribes. Despite Minister Balagopal's promise not to reduce the amount allocated for ST sections, the opposition blocked the proceedings in the House.

Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan also accused the government of giving fake priority promises to ST sections after cutting their allocation. According to the opposition leader, the Rs 502 crore scheme for Scheduled Tribes has been cut short to 390 crores.

“20 projects of 1370 crores for Scheduled Tribes have been reduced to 920 crores. It is a constitutional obligation to provide 10 per cent to Scheduled castes and two per cent to Scheduled Tribes. Out of the 30,000 crore KIIFB projects, Scheduled Tribes have only 81 crores. 140 crores were allocated in the LIFE scheme for houses for Scheduled Tribes, but not a single rupee was spent. 10 crores for the Vatsalya Nidhi project was allocated but nothing has been spent.” Said Satheesan.