Badal seeks Centre's help for SCs' welfare

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) Punjab has sought special central assistance for the welfare of Scheduled Castes whose density of population is highest in the state.

During interaction with Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar here late last evening, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal sought Rs 50 crore each for setting up ten Adarsh schools in rural areas for 'gifted poor' students and for opening 50 vocational training centres for SCs.

He asked her ministry to release the balance amount of Rs 5 crore for completing Regional Spinal Injury Centre at Mohali on the pattern of Indian Spinal Injury Centre, New Delhi.

The Union Minister accepted Punjab's proposal to establish rehabilitation centres for disabled people at Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, Moga and Nawanshaher, the state government said today.

Mr Badal also sought the Centre's grant for construction of old-age homes by non-governmental organisaions (NGOs).

Reiterating his government's commitment to abolish scavenging, the Chief Minister said they would soon submit a comprehensive list of people still engaged in it to the Centre with a request to release funds for their total rehabilitation.

Ms Kumar urged the Chief Minister to effectively implement laws against untouchability and atrocities against Dalits to ensure security and social freedom to oppressed sections of society.

UNI