 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 8: A delegation from the Bharatiya Dalit Sahitya Akademy (BDSA), led by its President Sh. B. R. Kundal, met with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Feb 07, 2025, to apprise him of various problems faced by the Dalit community in the Union Territory.
At the outset, Mr. Kundal extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Abdullah on assuming office as Chief Minister. He briefed the CM on BDSA's role in promoting Dalit literature and advancing the socio-economic upliftment of the community.
During the meeting, Mr. Kundal presented key concerns, emphasizing the need for an upward revision in the income criteria for Pre-Metric and Post-Metric Scholarships from Rs 2.5 lakh per annum to Rs 8 lakh, aligning it with the EWS criteria.
He also demanded assured reservation in recruitment processes and the reinstatement of reservation in promotion for Dalits in government jobs. Another major issue raised was the discrimination in the allotment of Evacuee Properties (land and buildings) between local allottees and displaced people. Mr. Kundal urged the government to grant ownership rights of evacuee properties to local allottees, like those given to refugees.
Expressing concern over the rise in atrocities against Dalits, he called for the strict enforcement of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and proposed the formation of a high-level monitoring committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, to oversee such cases regularly. Additionally, he emphasized the urgent appointment of a Vice Chairman for the SC Development Advisory Board, stressing that the absence of leadership had left many Dalit beneficiaries without guidance on welfare schemes.
To ensure inclusive housing and economic opportunities, Mr. Kundal urged the government to implement reservations in all residential colonies, commercial plots, and government-funded housing projects as per existing policies for government employment.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah gave patient hearing to the delegation's concerns and assured proactive government intervention in addressing these issues.
Other members of the delegation included Dr. Rakesh Kumar Atri, Sh. Hemraj Phounsa, Sh. R. L. Bhagat, Sh. Nagarmal, and Sh. P.L. Bhushan. |
