November 27, 2014
Pratima Mandal speaks on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2014 | Transcript
Thank you, hon. Deputy Speaker, Sir, for giving me an opportunity to speak in this temple of democracy on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2014.
Let us assume that we are observing a horse race. There is an injured horse alongside a sturdy, healthy stallion. Do you think, it is justified to let them start the race from the same line? Similarly, I believe that expecting a community that has been disadvantaged and incapable in competing and surviving among those without any such impediments whatsoever is nothing but encouraging an unjust race to be played out. I just took the example which is actually the explanation given by an eminent sociologist on caste inequalities in India.
The Bill seeks to include certain synonymous communities in respect of entries in the list of Scheduled Castes for the State of Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura and exclude entries in respect of Sikkim. It appears in the Bill that due to non-availability of caste-wise data, a precise estimate of expenditure which would have to be incurred is not possible.
So, I would like to request the hon. Minister through you that the Government should conduct a caste-wise survey in order to determine such expenditure that might be incurred. I would like to bring to the notice of the House that our Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has introduced a unique scheme called Shikhashree. It is meant to encourage the welfare of the students of SCs, STs and backward classes. It is also meant for their social and economic upliftment. Our Government has already issued 9.5 lakh caste certificates. An online procedure has already been introduced to expedite the process.
It is evident that with inclusion of more castes under the Scheduled Caste category, the Government will require more funds to make sure that every such member is enabled to access all opportunities and facilities. So, I would like to make a request to the hon. Minister, through you, Sir, that the Government may consider it beneficial to revise the fund allocation towards the welfare of the Scheduled Castes community.
I, on behalf of my Party, would like to extend our support wholeheartedly to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Order Bill, 2014.
