Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Apr 17: After his village stay in Kerekadu, Mulky, social welfare minister H Anjaneya on Saturday April 16 announced that he would undertake a similar village stay in Udupi next month.
Speaking to reporters after visiting Udupi Shree Krishna Math on Saturday, he said, "The village stay programme will be held in Udupi next month in order to know the problems faced by scheduled caste, scheduled tribe and Koraga communities."
He said that an amount of Rs 19,500 crore has been reserved for the development of scheduled caste, Dalits and other backward classes in the state.
“An amount of Rs 16,000 crore has been provided in the present budget. The subsidy that is not used last year will be spent during this year. An amount of Rs 19,500 crore will be spent through different departments and projects. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against officials who are purposely not utilizing the amount set aside for Dalits. Our government has given priority for the development of backward classes and Dalit community," he said.
"A village stay programme was held in Mangaluru to know the problems of the backward Koraga community. A package of Rs 10 crore has been announced after discussing with their leaders and officials. As life expectancy is less in Koraga community, better medical facilities and nutritious food will be supplied to them," he added.
He also lauded Pejawar Swamiji for working for the welfare of Dalits and backward classes.
"The drought in the state is causing hardships to citizens and animals. Water is being supplied to necessary places. The high command has asked the respective district in-charge ministers not to leave their districts," he said.
Speaking about anti-superstition bill, he said that the state government has not backtracked regarding passing of this bill. "Discussions are being held in public forums of its pros and cons. Pejawar Swamiji has expressed that he is in favour of the law. There is no opposition to scientific celebrations but cheating in the name of Almighty is not fair," he added.
MLA Pramod Madhwaraj, deputy director of the department of social welfare in the district Premanath, development officer of the department of district backward classes Harish Gawnkar, assistant director of the department of social welfare Ramesh and others were present.