Dharamshala: The demand for enacting a *Special Law for SC-ST Development Fund is gaining momentum in Himachal Pradesh. Stakeholder organizations representing Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are set to stage a protest under the banner of the State Coalition for Legislation of SC-ST Sub-Plan. The demonstration will take place on **December 19 at Zorawar Stadium in Sidhbari, followed by a public meeting and submission of a memorandum to the state government.
Public Meeting and Submission of Memorandum
Representatives from various constituent organizations of the coalition will participate in the protest to advocate for their demands. Following the public meeting, a delegation from the coalition will head to the Vidhan Sabha premises in Tapovan to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister. The memorandum will urge the state government to enact a special law under the SC-ST Sub-Plan to ensure the effective and transparent utilization of funds allocated for these communities.
State Coalition: A Unified Alliance
The State Coalition for Legislation of SC-ST Sub-Plan is a state-level alliance focused on issues affecting SC-ST communities in Himachal Pradesh. The coalition includes numerous organizations, such as:
- Himachal Pradesh Shri Guru Ravidas Mahasabha
- Himachal Pradesh Koli Samaj
- Himalayan Gaddi Union
- Sant Kabir Panthi Samaj Sudhar Sabha Himachal Pradesh
- All India Sant Kabir Mahasabha
- Maharishi Valmiki Sabha Himachal Pradesh
- All India Maharishi Valmiki Vikas Sabha
- Himachal Pradesh Vishwakarma Sabha
- Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch Himachal Pradesh
- Ambedkar Mission SC Welfare Committee Himachal Pradesh
Additionally, retired senior officers from Indian Forest Service, state administrative and police services, as well as professionals from education, banking, agriculture, and other sectors, are part of this movement.
Key Demands and Goals
The coalition aims to push for legislation that guarantees the rightful and judicious use of funds for SC-ST development, ensuring these resources reach their intended beneficiaries. The law will address issues of accountability, transparency, and fair distribution of resources, thereby safeguarding the interests of these marginalized communities.
