Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao said that every Dalit family in the State is entitled for the Dalit Bandhu scheme and will receive an amount of Rs 10 Lakh.
While speaking at a public meeting after launching the Sakit Bandhu Scheme in Shalapally of the Huzurabad Assembly constituency in Karimnagar District, CM Rao said, “There are no restrictions for it. Every family will get Rs 10 lakh even though they are government employees."
“We are giving Rytu Bandhu to them, then why not Dalit Bandhu and the no need to pay a single rupee back to the government or bank. It’s a 100 per cent subsidy scheme," he added.
Dalit Public Representatives will be monitoring entire Dalit Bandhu scheme through committees with 6 members at the village level, 15 at mandal, 24 each at Assembly constituency and district and 42 members at the State level.
There are about 25000 dalit public representatives like village sarpanches, MPTC, ward members and ZPTC members. Thus, an army of over 1 Lakh dalit soldiers would regularly monitor the scheme.
The CM called upon dalit employees, writers, intellectuals, students to take Dalit Bandhu campaign to every nook and corner of the state. He also assured that no benefits accrued to dalits under different government schemes would be cut off even if they get enrolled under Dalit Bandhu “Dalit students and youngsters should go to villages with the theme of educating the masses”, he added.
“It had been 75 years since we got Independence...why others have not thought of Dalit Bandhu,” he said. “This scheme is going to start a discussion in the country and become a role model for others,” he said. Success of the scheme depends on the shoulders of different sections of dalits.
Beneficiaries would not get cash under the scheme as the amount would be directly deposited in the account of beneficiary. To avail this, new Dalit Bandhu bank accounts need to be opened. The beneficiaries would be given new cards with electronic chips. Amount would not be deposited in old bank accounts as that might result in deduction of money for old debts.
Dalits can use the money deposited in their accounts for purchasing tractor, machines, any other tools that can create livelihood. Transactions made using these cards would be monitored by the officials concerned. One can buy cattle and sell milk. “If you want, you can start wine shops or other businesses,” the CM added.
(Source: The Hindu)
