A review meeting of National Commission for Scheduled Castes was held here today under the Chairmanship of P.L. Punia, National Chairman. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Himachal Pradesh Sarveen Chaudhary was also present in the meeting.
P.L. Punia appreciated some of the steps taken by the State Government for ensuring speedy upliftment of the Scheduled Castes in the State.
Sarveen Chaudhary, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister said that State Government was committed for welfare of Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes. She said that State Government had launched various schemes for this community. She said that Rs. 834 crore had been spent under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan in the year 2011-12 and Rs. 915 crore were being spent during current financial year under this Sub Plan and Rs. 700 crore had been proposed as Special Central Assistance.
Minister added that State Government had set up a separate Scheduled Castes, OBC and Minority Affairs Department to ensure welfare of these communities. She said that ‘Mukhyamantri Adarsh Gram Yojna’ and Mata Shabari Mahila Sashaktikarana Yojna’ had been implemented in the State to ensure welfare of these vulnerable section of the society.
S. Roy, Chief Secretary said that State Government was ensuring proper utilization of funds under SC Sub Plan so that benefits could be percolated down to the needy. Raj Kumar Verka, Vice Chairman, National Scheduled Castes Commission, Members of Commission, senior officers of the State Government and officers of National SC Commission were present on the occasion.
