Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee secretary Ram Lal Jassi has directed chief minister Parkash Singh Badal to ensure the implementation of dalit welfare schemes in the state.
"Funds received from the union government for dalit welfare remain unspent due to the lackadaisical attitude of state government's executive officer. This has resulted in a colossal loss in regard to Dalit development and progress in the state," he alleged.
Talking to media persons here, Jassi said, "Punjab has the largest percentage of dalit population in its population. However, this has never reflected in the budgetary provisions passed by the SAD-led government. Dalits are being ignored and the funds intended for their benefit are either unspent or are being diverted to other schemes, which is unjustified and highly objectionable."
"On the likes of Andhra Pradesh, the state government should also provide legislative provisions to ensure that the welfare measures meant for dalits are mandatorily implemented in true spirit," he demanded.