In order to ensure due share of the state's resources to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the Assembly on Thursday passed the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Bill, 2013.
The bill piloted by Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya aims at earmarking a portion of the state's outlay for the SCs and STs in proportion to the population of two communities. An exclusive cell in the Finance Department will also be established for the purpose. The bill also proposes to put an institutional mechanism in place for preparation, implementation and monitoring of the sub-plans. The mechanism includes setting up of a state-level council for the welfare of the SC/STs headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The council will advise the government on policy matters relating to SC/ST sub-plans and to set up a nodal agency headed by the Social Welfare Minister at the state level, which would prepare the SC/ST sub-plans. There will be district-level committees headed by deputy commissioners to implement the sub-plans.
The bill was applauded by members cutting across the party lines and was passed unanimously. It also specifies imprisonment of up to six months for officials who wilfully neglect their duties under the Act.
"This is a revolutionary bill that ensures the effective planning and implementation of funds reserved under the SC/ST sub-plans which was not the case till now," Anjaneya said. Deputy leader of opposition Y S V Datta, BJP floor leader Jagadish Shetter, KJP leader B S Yeddyurappa and others spoke on the bill.
Majority of the members suggested the inclusion of MLAs, ZP presidents and other elected representatives into the district committees. The minister agreed to include MLAs and ZP presidents.
Minister Weeps
Anjaneya became emotional while seeking support for the bill. Stressing the need for such a bill, Anjaneya explained the plight of the SC/STs. He also said he would pay surprise visits to hostels run by his department along with officials to check the quality of food being served to students.