Union minister of state for external affairs Preneet Kaur on Saturday asked the Planning Commission to take measures necessary to expedite action for implementation of Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) Maharashtra model in Punjab.
Addressing a communication to Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Kaur has sent along a copy of a memorandum that she had received from chamar maha sabha, through its president Paramjit Singh Kainth, who insists that "since the SCSP Maharashtra model is the brainchild of the Planning Commission of India, it is now the responsibility of the panel to get it implemented".
"Article 46 of the Constitution of India directs the state governments to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections, in particular those from the scheduled castes, protecting them from social injustice and other forms of exploitation", the memorandum explains and it adds that SCs have suffered from dual disability of severe economic exploitation and social discrimination.
According to 2011 census, though the SCs constitute around 32% of the total population in Punjab, yet very little is being done for their betterment and the funds allocated for the purpose lapse for want of implementation of various schemes and programmes.
{{/usCountry}}According to 2011 census, though the SCs constitute around 32% of the total population in Punjab, yet very little is being done for their betterment and the funds allocated for the purpose lapse for want of implementation of various schemes and programmes.
{{/usCountry}}"The Planning Commission should direct the Punjab government to give an undertaking, in writing, that the SCSP (Maharashtra model) would be implemented, and only then the budget allocation should take place", the sabha demanded.