JAMMU, Oct 20: Congress today held a protest dharna over the failure of the Centre and State Govt. to safeguard the interests of SCs/STs/OBCs and other down trodden population in the State.
An impressive silent dharna was held at Dr. B.r. Ambedkar Chowk Jammu to lodge protest over the anti-reserved category policies of the Sate and Centre Govt. as result the deprived sections of the society in the State are suffering. The State Govt. has failed to defend the reservation Act in the court of law, as a result the reserved categories of SC/St/OBC/ALC and RBA would be deprived of promotional benefits.
Addressing the gathering, the senior Congress leaders lashed out at the Centre and State Govt. for their policies towards SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories.
Former Dy Chief Minister Shri Tara Chand while addressing the gathering accused the State and Centre Govt. of following anti SC/ST policies since they came to power and said that the deprived and neglected sections of society will fight back for their due rights. He said that apart from SC/ST & OBC, the benefit of reservation in professional courses appointments and promotions being availed by the residents of Backward Area, ALC and handicapped people who are suffering due to the policies of the present Govt. especially the failure of the State Govt. to defend the reservation law.
He said that the legislation was enacted in 2005 due to the efforts of the Congress party in the coalition Govt. as earlier it was being availed by SRO from time to time. He regretted that the present Govt. of PDP and BJP have not taken necessary steps to safeguard the interests of the reserved category people and exhorted the affected people to fight for their rights.
Former Minister Shri Mula Ram in his address lashed out at the centre and State Govt. for their policies with regards to the deprived sections of the society and said that their moves are against the interests of poor and down trodden. He said that during the last financial year the Modi led govt. has reduced budget allocation in the SC Sub plan by Rs.13208 Crores and in ST Sub Plan by Rs.7714 Crores. Which shows their anti SC/ST moves. He asked the people to fight for their constitutional rights.
Mr. Raman Bhalla in his address lashed out at the State and entre for failure on all fronts and said that BJP is persuing pro-rich and anti-poor policies. He said that the prices of all essential commodities have touched record high making the life of common people very difficult but the Modi Govt. is unmoved about the plight of poor, down trodden, farmers and other middle class people.
Mr. Bhalla said that the State Govt. of PDP & BJP has created lot of controversies to divert the attention of people from their failures and betrayals like imposing pilgrims tax, surrender on AIIMS, smart city besides treatment to the unemployed youth, the daily wagers sand other such categories of working class. He said that Congress legislatures highlighted the issues of each and every section in the recent assembly session.
Later the senior leaders announced that Congress would lodge a strong protest and gherao the Civil Secretariat on its opening day in Jammu over various issues of the people of different sections of the State and Jammu Region.
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