Gujarat Govt committed for uplift of backward classes: Vora

Gandhinagar, Mar 16 (UNI) The ruling BJP government, led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, is committed towards the social and economic uplift of backward classes in the state, Gujarat Social Welfare Minister Ramanlal Vora today informed the State Legislative Assembly.

Mr Vora said his Ministry has made an allocation of Rs 450 crore in next year's Budget for the welfare of scheduled tribes and scheduled castes for their social and economic upliftment.

Mr Vora, speaking during the budgetary demands of his Ministry, said of the Rs 450 crore, Rs 130 crore and Rs 245 crore had been allcoated for various social welfare schemes of scheduled tribes and nomadic tribes respectively.

An amount of Rs 75 crore would be spent for some social security schemes for them, he added.

The social welfare schemes included loans upto Rs 10 lakh for the purchase of lands, education and professional training and courses for the tribals. Special scholarships would be given to bright students of the tribes, he informed.

Besides, 'Dr Ambedkar Bhawans' would be constructed at each taluka headquarters of all the districts in the state, Mr Vora said.

Earlier, the House witnessed uproarious scene when opposition Congress Dalit MLA Pravin Maru, in his speech, said the already constructed 'Dr Ambedkar Bhawans' in the state were not serving any purpose and appearing like 'Samshan Ghats' (Grave Yards). In fact, the government should utilise the money for building houses for dalits, he demanded.

However, in reaction to this, ruling BJP MLAs alleged that the Congress members had insulted the maker of Indian Constitution, Dr BabaSaheb Ambedkar by comparing his memorials with a grave yard.

They also demanded an appology from Mr Maru and the entire opposition Congress.

Finally, Mr Maru appologised to the House and Speaker Mangaldal Patel also gave him a reprimand for his statement.

UNI