In a resounding move to champion the rights of marginalized communities, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge unveiled the ’12-point SC ST Declaration Telangana 2023′ for the upcoming Telangana Assembly elections. The momentous announcement transpired during a vibrant public gathering held at Chevella, nestled within the precincts of Rangareddy district, Telangana.
A Pledge of Empowerment for SC/ST Communities
Embodying the Congress party’s unwavering commitment to social inclusivity, Mallikarjun Kharge fervently asserted that the enumerated promises for the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) would seamlessly materialize upon Congress ascending to power in the state. Among the pioneering commitments encapsulated in the declaration are as follows:
List of 12 SC ST Declaration Telangana 2023 by Congress Party
- Enhanced Reservation Quotas: Proposing an equitable distribution of opportunities, the declaration advocates for an amplified 18% reservation quota for SCs and an essential 12% reservation quota for STs across government procurements and contracts.
- Broadened Horizon of Education: With the vision to foster equal educational prospects, the declaration ushers in a paradigm shift by introducing reservations in private educational institutions. Furthermore, private companies receiving government incentives are also encouraged to embrace inclusivity.
- Fortifying Community Structures: Championing the cause of self-reliance, the declaration ardently endorses the establishment of three SC Corporations and three ST Corporations. This strategic move is poised to empower communities through economic avenues.
- Home for Every SC, ST Family
- Central to this initiative is the ‘Indiraamma Pucca Illa Pathakam’ that seeks to provide permanent housing to every SC and ST family. Through a grant of INR 6 lakhs per household, this program aims to transform the lives of these marginalized families, offering them a dignified and secure abode.
- Land Redistribution and Equal Rights
- The restoration of assigned lands to SCs and STs, previously acquired by the BRS government, is another stride towards ensuring equal rights and justice. The 2013 Land Resettlement Act ensures that lands are rightfully returned, fostering a more equitable society.
- Pattadar Passbooks Issuance: A Milestone Achievement
- The groundbreaking ‘Podu Pattala Pampini’ initiative, enacted under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi, is a testament to the Congress’s commitment to secure the rights of marginalized communities. This visionary initiative empowers rightful landowners, extending land ownership rights to each deserving individual.
- Fortifying SC Corporations and ST Corporations
- A three-fold plan to establish new SC and ST Corporations, such as Mādiga, Māla, and others, heralds a new era of economic empowerment. Each corporation is set to receive an annual funding of INR 750 crores, bolstering economic avenues for these communities.
- Sammakka Saralamma Girijan Gramin Abhivriddhi Pathakam (SSGGAP Scheme)
- This pioneering scheme allocates a significant sum of INR 25 lakhs to every village and tribal panchayat under the leadership of Sonia Gandhi. This initiative envisions the holistic development of these regions, fostering prosperity at the grassroots level.
- Empowering Educational Aspirations
- The Congress’s commitment to education is evident through its pledge to grant INR 10 lakhs to SC and ST students upon completion of their tenth grade. Additionally, the establishment of residential schools and hostels, along with the provision of financial assistance, underscores the party’s dedication to educational empowerment.
- Creating New Avenues for Empowerment
- The ‘Ambedkar Abhaya Hastam Pathakam’ scheme underscores the commitment to extending financial aid of INR 12 lakhs to SC and ST families. Further demonstrating its commitment, the Congress party aims to establish five new ITIDs (Industrial Training Institutes) across the state.
- Educational Support and Residential Facilities
- As a testament to the transformative power of education, SC and ST students who pass their tenth grade examinations will be granted financial support of INR 10,000. The establishment of Gurukulams in each mandal ensures accessible and quality education for these communities.
A Call to Reclaim the Democratic Mandate
Mallikarjun Kharge’s impassioned address resonated with a call to action, beseeching the citizens of Telangana to seize the reins of power from the hands of two ostensibly aligned entities – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR). He underscored that both parties had clandestinely collaborated, compelling the need for a fresh trajectory in leadership.
A Reckoning of Betrayal and Ownership
Lashing out at KCR, Mallikarjun Kharge underscored his disillusionment, denouncing the Chief Minister’s actions as emblematic of a leader who had lost sight of his constituents’ aspirations. The Congress leader asserted that the claim to the creation of a separate Telangana state was not an individual’s prerogative, but a collective dream nurtured by every citizen aspiring for an independent regional identity. This historic accomplishment, he stated, was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Congress party in realizing the aspirations of the people.
Unveiling the Veiled Understanding
Drawing the veil from a covert understanding, Mallikarjun Kharge expounded on the tactical silence between the BJP and KCR, which appeared to be underpinned by mutual understanding. He discerned a shared motive to maintain the status quo, which he categorically labeled as ‘corrupt’. This subtle alliance, he asserted, must be dismantled in favor of a more accountable and transparent leadership.
A Vision of Triumph
With an air of unshakeable conviction, Mallikarjun Kharge exuded confidence in the Congress party’s ability to triumph over the BJP and BRS, reiterating the party’s unflinching commitment to democratic values and equitable progress.
The unveiling of the ’12-point SC/ST declaration’ marks a watershed moment in the journey of Telangana’s socio-political landscape. The promises articulated within the declaration offer a comprehensive roadmap towards empowerment and inclusion, underscoring Congress’s steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and progress for all. As the electoral battle looms on the horizon, the citizens of Telangana are presented with a clear choice – one that encompasses the ideals of empowerment, representation, and shared prosperity.
