A slew of incentives for SC/ST families

Bengaluru: The government on Monday announced a number of incentives under social welfare schemes for the scheduled caste and tribes , including a subsidy of upto 90 per cent for those who opted for modern technology in agriculture.

Speaking to reporters after reviewing the social welfare schemes at a meeting here, CM B S Yediyurappa elaborated, “The government will provide 90 per cent subsidy for polyhouses  and drip irrigation to SC/ST community farmers. The same subsidy will also be given to those who want to buy sheep, goats and cattle for  animal husbandry. In addition, an incentive of Re 1 per litre will be given to milk produced by the community."

He revealed that government funding for scheduled caste and tribe women self -help groups would be increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and a  Rs 10,000 interest- free loan would be given to women opting for self-employment. Also, pourakarmikas from the community will receive Rs 6  lakh for constructing houses.

While Rs 30,444.68 crore has been earmarked for social welfare department this fiscal year, the CM admitted that the progress has been tardy under its schemes .  "There has been only 18 per cent progress.  The officials have been told to wake up from their deep slumber and start working," he added.    

The government has also decided to use Rs 1157. 2 crore in unspent money from all the departments for constructing houses for the scheduled castes and tribes in the flood- hit areas .