New welfare schemes for SC in MP

Bhopal, Apr 6 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today issued a clarion call for active public participation in implementation of schemes for the development of Scheduled Castes (SC) and also announced several welfare measures.

''A committee, chaired by Minister of State for SC Prakash Sonkar, will be formed to get rid of difficulties in securing caste certificates and simplify the process. It will submit a report within two months. A Cleanliness Commission will be set up to address grievances of sweepers and accelerate their rehabilitation,'' he said during a SC panchayat at his residence.

Scholarships for SC students would henceforth be hiked in accordance with the price rise. Arrangements would be made for teaching English and Computer Science at post-matric hostels. Free lodging and coaching would be provided to those appearing in Union Public Service Commission examinations. Assistance would be extended towards making sports equipment available.

''Government departments would accord priority to hiring vehicles purchased by SC community members with bank finance. A system is being attempted whereby birth certificates would mention the caste.

Funds will be provided for higher education of talented students,'' the Chief Minister added.

UNI