Kharge to Release Dalit and Tribal Declarations in Chevella

Leaders from the state Congress, including CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Tejavath Bellaiah Naik and Sampath Kumar, among others, who met AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in New Delhi on Sunday, discussed the dalit and tribal declarations to be announced in Chevella on August 26.

Speaking to the media later, Vikramarka said, "Kharge will announce the declarations. This will indicate the direction the party would take to clear the problems of dalits and tribals once we come to power. It will address the social, economic and political issues on hand."

Sources indicate that the SC/ST declaration is likely to have provision for additional funds to their reserved constituencies, assurances to spend funds allocated for the SC/ST sub plan on the communities exclusively, a scheme on the lines of dalit bandhu to to every family and a law to ensure return of assigned lands, which were taken over by the BRS, to the original owners. Some of these lands



have been kept in Part B to be taken over in future. A law will be passed to prevent this from happening.

The declaration further promises strengthening of the SC/ST Act to prevent attacks on them. All backlog posts would be filled, mandating reservations in PSUs that have been handed over to the private sector.

Among the suggestions for the ST community include increase in allocation. The current limit has been pegged at `five lakh. It has been suggested that at least 700 sq.ft is needed for a decent house and the cost will be scientifically evaluated depending on the budget and financial situation.

The declaration is set to promise social, political and economic development of tribals.

Enforcing laws like the Forest Rights Act and SC reservation categorisation will be promised along with an increase in reservation for tribals to 12 percent.