Karnataka Dalit Sangarsha Samithi demands return of SCSP-TSP funds diverted to guarantee schemes; to stage Bengaluru Chalo on March 11

The Karnataka Dalit Sangarsha Samithi (KDSS) has decided to take out Bengaluru Chalo on March 11, demanding the State government stop the misuse of funds meant for the Scheduled Castes Sub-plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-plan (TSP) and also return the amount spent so far for the implementation of the five guarantee schemes.

In a press conference here on Tuesday, KDSS State convener M. Gurumarthy said the Congress that came to power in 2013 under the leadership of Siddaramaiah passed the law that earmarks a portion of State plan outlays for SCSP and TSP in proportion to the population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. As per the law, 24% of the State’s outlay must be reserved for the SCSP and TSP.

However, the government diverted more than ₹25,000 crore towards the implementation of the guarantee schemes. The Congress violated the law it passed earlier. “The government’s move is unpardonable. The same amount should have been utilised to provide basic amenities to the local residents where the SC/ST people reside,” he said.

Mr. Gurumurthy said that the organisation would take out Bengaluru Chalo on March 11 and stage a protest at Freedom Park in Bengaluru. The organisation would demand the State government pass an order cancelling Section 7(C) of the SCSP-TSP Act, 2013, that allowed the diversion of the funds.

Other demands include granting housing facilities for eligible beneficiaries and increasing the financial assistance to build houses, honoring B. Krishnappa, founder of DSS, with the title Karnataka Rathna and celebrating his birth anniversary every year on June 9.

Office-bearers of the DSS were present at the press conference.