Speaking after giving away the keys of the auto-rickshaws to the beneficiaries, Higher Education Minister Dr V S Acharya said the government is taking all measures to support the primitive tribes in the State. Education, employment, nutrition, housing amenities for SC/ST and Koraga communities are some of the areas that are given more thrust by the government. About Rs 4,633 crore is allocated by the government as special component earmarked for the welfare programmes of SCs. The amount allocated during previous year was Rs 3,300 crore. Special financial component of Rs 1,800 crore for ST have been separately announced in the budget, he said. About Rs 300 crore has been earmarked to develop the hamlet areas belonging to SC/ST and as many as 300 areas have been identified for the purpose. Measures are being taken to introduce skill development programmes for the students belonging to SC/ST and funds will be released for the programme shortly, he said.
Dr Acharya urged the beneficiaries to maintain cordial relationship with the customers and pay the installments of the loan on time, he said.
The government has given about Rs 80,000 for the auto-rickshaw under ITDP project and Syndicate Bank has offered Rs 20,000 each to the auto-rickshaw. The CMC has provided a sum of Rs 20,000 to the beneficiaries residing within the CMC limits for the auto. As many as 34 beneficiaries were given auto-rickshaws on the occasion. Cheques were given away to as many as 6 beneficiaries under housing schemes and 9 for higher education programme under ITDP project on the occasion.