Union Minister of State for Tourism K Chiranjeevi has claimed that the SC, ST Sub-Plan was one of the pre-conditions to merge erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party into the Congress.
Talking to reporters at the Congress Legislature Party here on Saturday, Chiranjeevi said that the SC, ST Sub-Plan was part of the social justice agenda that the erstwhile PRP advocated till its merger with the Congress party. He expressed happiness that the Congress leadership, especially Congress president Sonia Gandhi, took forward the agenda and enacted the SC, ST Sub-Plan Bill in the State.
Describing the Bill as historic, he said that it would ensure proper development of SCs and STs across the State while giving them equal opportunities for growth. He recalled that as a MLA, he opposed the diversion of SCs and STs funds for other projects, which was a common factor in successive governments. However, he said that by legislation the Sub-Plan, he said that the Congress Government has put an end to the practice.
Chiranjeevi said that he came to the Assembly to share his happiness with the other colleagues. He also condemned the efforts to politicise the Bill by some leaders. He said the parties should realise that the Bill would improve the condition of backward and oppressed classes.
Chiranjeevi also appealed to the Congress High Command to introduce Sub-Plans for the Minorities and Backward Classes across the country.
Rural Development Minister D Manikyavaraprasad Prasad, Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju, Endowments Minister C Ramachandraiah and Secondary Education Minister K Parthasarathy were also present.
In a rare occasion in the recent past, the media personnel were allowed into the CLP office while the session was on to cover Chiranjeevi's press conference. On regular basis, the security personnel restrict entry of media at places other than the Media Point for almost half-an-hour after the end of session.