The taluk-level SC/ST meeting held in Chamarajanagar urged for a separate burial grounds for the community due to the difficulties faced by them. They also demanded that government allot the available land. Along with this, stress should be laid on upgradation of existing burial and cremation grounds.
The community leaders who participated in the meeting held at taluk panchayat office explained the miseries faced by the people of the community. They said that the government lands are available at some places but the government is hesitating to allot the land to the SC/ST community. Though some private parties are ready to sell their lands the officials are showing negligence over allotting the land for burial grounds. With the rising population level the existing grounds are not sufficient and also lack facilities. The elected representatives are responsible for the negligence, they alleged.
Tahsildar R Rangaswamy said there is no shortage of funds for the development of burial ground. If a proposal of available land is submitted by the respective gram panchayats, it would be sanctioned. It is mandatory to provide complete details on the available land. The lands would be allotted after spot inspection, he stated. Social welfare officer Jagadish, taluk panchayat executive officer Jaikrishna, taluk panchayat member Padmachandra and others were present.
Allegations of misappropriation of 22.75 per cent funds earmarked for the SC/ST and 25 per cent of funds for gram panchayats has come to light in the meeting. But the funds have not been utilised for the purpose and have been allegedly misused, it is alleged.
Leader C M Krishnamurthy alleged that majority of the funds have been used for laying roads and the educational development for SC/ST and drinking water have been sidelined.