Need to enhance budgetary allocation for development of target groups – Mukul Wasnik

Need to enhance budgetary allocation for development of target groups – Mukul Wasnik

While reviewing the welfare schemes pertaining to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Mukul Wasnik the Minister told the members of the Consultative Committee that there is a great need to enhance budgetary allocation for the development of target groups, namely, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Persons with Disability, Senior Citizens and Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. He was chairing the meeting of the Consultative Committee of Social Justice and Empowerment here on Friday.

The Minister of State, D Napoleon was also present at the meeting. Wasnik also elaborated the functioning of the schemes. He further added that the Ministry has a pivotal role in extending its support to a substantial segment of the population. It is following a three pronged strategy for the educational, social and economic development of these groups. Additionally, the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and victims of substance abuse is an important element of the programmes. The Eleventh Plan Allocation for the Ministry is Rs. 13,043 crore. The budgetary allocation for 2009-10 is Rs. 2500 crore, of which around 76% is for social, educational and economic development of Scheduled Castes. He also assured the members to look into complaints regarding atrocities on the target groups and take stringent action against perpetrators. The Minster also thanked the members for their valuable suggestions regarding the betterment of the target groups. Apart from Secretary, K.M. Acharya and senior officials of the Ministry, some Members of Parliament also attended the meeting. They included - Usha Verma (LS, S.P.), Thol Thirumaavalavan (LS, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katch), Thangso Baite(LS, INC) and Krishna Lal Balmiki (RS, BJP).

Courtesy: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment release