Will examine necessity of job quota for Dalits in private sector: KCR

Chairing an all-party meeting, KCR said the government would examine the pros and cons of reservations in the private sector.

"Salaries of sanitation workers are increased regularly. There is a demand for introducing the PRC salary mode. Reservations to Dalits in the private sector would be examined. Through Dalit Empowerment Programmes, eligible poor beneficiaries would be given assistance without any bank guarantees. Special plans would be prepared following the policy of Centre for Dalit Studies," he said.

Several party leaders appreciated CM's initiative. CPM state secretary expressed happiness over the CM's commitment and initiatives for the empowerment of Dalits. He said the swift action taken by the CM in Mariamma's custodial death case has boosted the self-confidence of Dalits. He said his party would extend support to the government in implementing Dalit Empowerment Scheme.

CPI State Secretary Chada Venkat Reddy said programmes like Kalyan Laxmi and other development and welfare schemes are instilling confidence among the Dalits.

Former Minister M Narasimhulu praised KCR for pro-Dalit programmes.

CLP leader Bhatti Vikramarka said he is confident that the programme introduced by the CM would be implemented properly. He said instead of taking back the assigned lands, the cost should be calculated and accordingly, shares should be allocated to the Dalits.

On this occasion, the CM elicited the opinion of TRS MPs, MLAs, and MLCs on the matter. They unanimously hailed the CM for taking pro-Dalit measures.

Key decisions taken at the meeting:

---The CM instructed the officials to separate the social and economic problems of Dalits and find out solutions for them. CM Dalit Empowerment programme would be implemented along with other welfare and envelopment schemes of Dalits.

--He wanted regular monitoring of all schemes and appointment of an officer at the Mandal level.

--The CM asked the SC Welfare Minister Koppula Eswar to prepare SC families' profiles.

--The CM instructed officials to find out how many study circles can be set up for Dalit students. He wanted Civil services coaching should be done through these centers.

---He instructed officials to compile Dalit beneficiaries of Rythu Bandhu Scheme.

--The CM wanted completion of Dalit employees' promotions in 10 to 15 days time.

---He said Rythu Bhima would be extended to the poor landless families.

--The CM accepted suggestion given by the all-party meeting to suspend police officials accused of attacking Dalits.

--The CM assured that he would appoint an officer in the CMO for the Dalit empowerment matters.

-The CM would organize a meeting with the Collectors on this issue.

---The CM suggested that services of the retired Dalit employees and NGOs should be utilised for implementing Dalit empowerment.