Pondy: Condition of Dalits unchanged

Puducherry, Aug 10: The Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) local unit today alleged that all announcements made by the territorial administration for the welfare of Dalits was only on paper.

Addressing a press conference here, DPI state convener Vanangamudi said the condition of the Dalits remained the same even after 60 years of independence.

He said under a scheme evolved by the Union Government in 2005 to provide land to the landless Dalits involving an expenditure of Rs one crore per annum, the Centre had decided to provide land to 40 persons a year.

However, the Puducherry administration did not implement the scheme eventhough the landlords in rural areas were prepared to sell land to the government for the purpose. On the other hand several acres of land were being sold to outsiders, he pointed out.

The DPI leader urged the administration to take immediate steps to provide pattas to the Dalits, residing in poromboke and temple lands and also to provide a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 to agricultural labourers during off seasons on the lines of fishermen and weavers here.

Stating that the public were being looted under the pretext of higher education, Mr Vanangamudi alleged that as the private medical and engineering colleges were colleting huge amounts towards capitation fees, the government should take over the institutions.

Mr Vanangamudi also demanded that the income ceiling of Rs 24,000 per annum year fixed for the Adi Dravidar people to receive welfare assistance should be abolished and stringent action initiated against those diverting the special component plan funds meant for the welfare of Dalits.

UNI