UPA Budget makes mockery of the Dalits, Adivasis and Other Backward Classes - NACDOR

01/03/2006

PRESS RELEASE

UPA Budget makes mockery of the Dalits, Adivasis and Other Backward Classes: A 0.617% care for more than 75% population of the country

Mr. P. Chidambaram, the Finance Minister of , while presenting budget of the country, said, "Growth will be our mount; equity will be our companion; and social justice will be our destination". But for 166.6 million Dalits and over 600 million Other Backward Classes of India, he offered only Rs. 1817.60 crores out of the total estimated budget of Rs. 563,991 crores, a 0.32% of the budget for more than 68% population of the country. For Adivasis this amount is Rs. 1667.46 Crores, which is 0.295% for 8.2% population of the country. Total estimated budgetary provisions (Planned and non-Planned) on Dalits, Adivasis and the Other Backward Classes are only Rs. 3485.06 crores, which is 0.617% of the total estimated budget. Less than 1% budget provisions for 75% population of the country – this is what Mr. Finance Minister meant for equity and social justice.

In a statement issues, Mr. Ashok Bharti, National Coordinator of the National Conference of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR), which is a confederation of more than 300 grass root Dalit Organisations across the country, condemned the budget.   "Budget provisions are mockery of the Dalits, Adivasis and the Other Backward Classes. Despite knowing the fact that more than 50% of the Dalits, Adivasis live below poverty line, this budget makes no effort to tackle their poverty. Instead, it reduces the allocations of the dalits from 0.43% to 0.32%. National Conference of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR) can not be a silent spectator while this government continues to dole out national resources to the mighty and rich."

"NACDOR has been watching this government patiently and our patience is running out. While government create a rosy picture for those who can afford buy cars, computers, luxury items, fashion goods, the government destroy the lives of the Dalits, Adivasis and OBCs by denying their just share in the Budget. We have decided to launch a mass campaign through out the country and we will ensure that the injustice meted to us is echoed in the forthcoming assembly elections in the five states" said Mr. Bharti.

National Conference of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR) appeals to all the Members of Parliament belonging to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes to oppose defeat this anti-Dalit, anti-Adivasi and anti-OBC budget in Parliament and ensure justice to their community. We also appeal to all the constituent of UPA to exercise their influence to ensure justice to these sections.

ASHOK BHARTI

National Coordinator (Mobile: 9810918008)

Note: NACDOR will issue detailed analysis of budget from Dalit/Adivasi/OBC Perspective shortly

Warmly

Ashok Bharti
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National Conference of Dalit Organisations (NACDOR)
M-3/22, Model Town-III, Delhi 110009 INDIA
Telephone: +91-11-32903429
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Formed in a National Conference of Dalit Organisations in December 2001, NACDOR is a confederation of more than 300 grass root Dalit Organisations spreaded all over India. NACDOR is the founder member of World Dignity Forum and is closely linked with the World Social Forum, GCAP, MDG and other International Campaigns.