The Hindu 26.08.2014
‘Corporation diverting SC funds’
A group of activists led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Dalit Rights Committee staged a protest in front of the Mangalore City Corporation on Monday alleging that the civic body has diverted funds reserved for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes to other public works.
In a memorandum submitted to Mayor Mahabala Marla, Sunil Kumar Bajal, city secretary, CPI(M), and Jaya Kumar, secretary of the committee, alleged that the corporation had diverted the funds for constructing compound walls of temples and retaining walls in public areas. These funds had been used to construct grounds, footpaths, repair of drains, they alleged. They said the corporation should reserve 22.75 per cent of its annual budget for the welfare of Dalits. They urged the corporation not to divert the funds for public works and instead use it for the welfare of their community or individual benefits.
