The Social Welfare Department should press for reservation for marginalised groups such as Schedule Castes, Schedule Tribes and Other Backward Castes in private sector, said writer Devanur Mahadeva.
He made the demand during a lecture on pre-budget session on fund allocation for the social welfare sector this year, at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU).
The discussion also concentrated on reforms to be brought in the department to ensure its effectiveness.
“The department should remove corrupt officials and bring in honest and talented ones to make sure the schemes are implemented effectively,” he said.
This apart, Mahadeva suggested the government to form a committee to study the reason for non-utilisation of Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribes funds to the fullest.
Siddalingaiah, a Dalit poet-activist, said the funds meant for Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribes welfare were being diverted to various other sectors.
Strict laws should be enforced to punish those who are responsible for non-implementation of Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribes schemes and non-utilisation or misapplication of such funds, he said.
The activist also sought funds for renovation of Ambedkar Bhavans and Babu Jagjivan Ram Bhavans in the state.
Social activists, representatives of Dalit and Adivasi movements, writers, government officials and others participated in the discussion.
Many suggested that the department should spend more of its funds for education and uplift of Dalits and Adivasi community.
There were proposals to give rebate on power tariff for the industrial units set-up by Schedule Caste/Schedule Tribes people.