Dalits protest against MCC’s failure to implement 22.75 scheme

Dalits protest against MCC’s failure to implement 22.75 scheme

Mangalore Today Network

Mangalore, Nov 20, 2012 : The Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samithi, along with some other organizations, organized a protest in front of the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) against the civic body’s failure to implement Dalit welfare projects under the 22.75 scheme.

Lingappa Nanthoor, secretary of the samithi, said in his protest address that only Rs. 2.85 crore is now being allotted for the 22.75 scheme while in 2008, Rs. 4 crore used to be allotted. Further, he said that the state government has made certain amendments, as a result of which subsidy for houses have been reduced to Rs. 75,000 from Rs. 1.5 lakh. He also complained that the government has withdrawn Dalit scholarships this year.
 

Krishnappa Konchady, member of the state committee of the Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samithi, alleged that the MCC is not launching any welfare work in Dalit colonies under the 22.75 scheme. Moreover, it is utilizing funds meant for Dalit welfare in constructing roads, temple arches, and other work in places populated by upper class communities and rich people.

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Kumar Bajal, secretary of the CPM Mangalore city committee, criticized the MCC for failing to respond to Dalit issues.

The protestors submitted a memorandum to Shrikanth Rao, the joint commissioner, who informed them that the civic body has already written to the state government about the issue and that the problem will be solved within one month.