BENGALURU: In a clear indication that the Congress government has set its sights on the 2018 Assembly election, the BBMP budget which was present on Saturday by the chairman of the Palike Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance M K Gunashekar seeks to woo the urban poor and backward classes.
A total of `736 crore has been earmarked for various social welfare schemes, which is about 8 per cent of the total outlay. Of this, `100 crore has been allocated for housing schemes for SCs and STs, `75 crore for other backward classes and minorities, and `20 crore economically weaker sections.
A sum of `167 crore has been set aside for development of communities in which SC and STs are predominant and another `10 crore for empowerment of SCs and STs. As many as 50 tailoring machines and 50 bicycles will be given away in each ward and night shelters will be constructed for the homeless.
With an eye on women voters, a sum of `25 lakh has been allotted for wards represented by women which can be used for special welfare programmes for women. Pourakarmikas and ragpickers who are large in numbers have also given priority. At present, they are getting mid-day meals. It has also been proposed to construct restrooms for them.
Three new super-speciality hospitals will come up in 3 Assembly constituencies -- Sarvajnanagar, BTM Layout and Shivajinagar which are represented by ministers K J George, R Ramalinga Reddy and Roshan Baig, respectively.