A41. NEED FOR PRACTICAL SCHEMES FOR BACKWARD AND
SCHEDULED CASTES
The Central Government has launched more than 50
different types of schemes for the informed and
backward classes. The Center is the major
contributor to these schemes, but the state also
has to contribute a portion. The state
government has to publicize these schemes and
disseminate them to the needy candidates. Apart
from the Atta Dal scheme in Punjab, very few
people are aware of other schemes. The Atta Dal
scheme of the Center has also been promoted by
the Akali Dal as its own scheme. The Akali
government, instead of contributing to this
scheme, has been distributing it among itself by
deducting from it.
The government conveyed all these schemes and
plans to its people. Contribute to them.
Implement new schemes as per the demand and need
of the people. For example, the price of atta
dal should be further reduced. This scheme
should be extended to other people. All other
schemes, plans, new surveys should be made
available to the needy.
According to central government figures, Sikhism
is the majority religion in Punjab. Hindus,
Muslims and Christians are minority religions.
The Sikh majority is based on agriculture, while
the minorities are based on small scale
industries and trade. While the government
should take special measures for the development
of agriculture, special measures should also be
taken for small scale industries and trade and
laws should be enacted to implement them. For
example, Bathinda Refinery is in Punjab. But it
has imported about 30,000 manpower. Many should
be asked to fulfill their need from Punjab by
banning it. There are thousands of such
examples. Create employment in Punjab. In which
minorities should be given priority.
Grade IV employees should be brought back under
the purview of the seventh pay scale and salary,
grade etc. should be provided accordingly. Make
major changes to the BC and Scheduled Castes
Act. According to the law, however, the malice
of untouchability has been eradicated. But in
practice it still seems to exist. The government
is committed to the complete eradication of
these sentiments. But no special steps seem to
be taken. Provide special facilities for BC
category on economic basis. Both categories of
persons with disabilities received special
pensions. Which is different from any other
first paid pension.