SP govt anti-Dalit,says Punia

Punia also targeted the SP government for opposing “reservation in promotion” as well as for its “lack of interest in implementing food security scheme”.

The criticism comes a day before the SP is to start its Adhikar Rath Yatra,demanding inclusion of 17 backward castes in the SC category.

On October 3,the UP Cabinet had approved use of funds from SC sub-plan and Tribal sub-plan for development of public infrastructure. Since the estimated population of SC and ST in the state is 21.21 per cent,it was decided that 21.21 per cent of the cost of public infrastructure projects would be spent from the SC and Tribal sub -plan funds. In case of villages and gram-panchayats,where the ST/ST population is at least 25 per cent,funds for infrastructure development would be completely sourced from the sub-plan funds.

“This decision is against the norms. The commission would call for its review and I would write to the Planning commission to look into the issue as the funds are meant exclusively for the benefit of SCs and cannot be used for creation of public infrastructure,” said Punia.

He alleged that the SP government was not according proper attention to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes living in relief camps in Muzaffarnagar.

They are not being given proper facilities and are afraid to return to their villages fearing threat to their lives. The injured are not given proper treatment. While I have sought a detailed report from the state government,they have not replied yet,” said Punia.

Questioning the SP government’s intention in implementing the food security scheme,Punia said,“While other states have started implementing the scheme,the UP government wants more time. It has not even started the process of asking district collectors to prepare the list of beneficiaries,which raises doubt on their intention.”

He also targeted the SP government over the “poor” law and order situation and said it would be difficult for the party to win the Lok Sabha elections.