Sonia writes to Uddhav over funds for SC, ST

MUMBAI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has written to chief minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray, expressing her unhappiness over “non-utilisation and diversion” of funds allocated for the welfare of socially backward classes in the state. She has advised CM to ensure that the budget allocated for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities are utilised for the same purpose.

HK Patil, Congress’s state in-charge, confirmed the development. This is the first time that Gandhi has expressed her unhappiness over an issue in the state since the three parties formed the government last year in November. “The party had organised a conclave of leaders from socially backward classes in which some problems and suggestions have come to the fore. It was informed that sometimes the allotted funds get lapsed, or they are diverted for other uses. This should not happen as it will affect the interest of the disadvantaged sections of the society. This was specifically mentioned by Mrs Gandhi so that these sections are protected against such administrative lapses,” said Patil.

He said it is a “natural advice” given for the “effective implementation” of schemes and laws meant for disadvantaged sections. “I am sure they [the government] will take up the matter in the days to come,” Patil added and said he hopes that the CM will take the matter seriously.

The development may lead to unease between the ruling partners. Congress leaders have previously expressed their discontent over the portfolio allocation and secondary treatment in decision-making.

However, Sena’s chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said the party welcomes the advice. “We welcome the letter and suggestion. The common minimum programme is binding... In the past one year, we couldn’t do several things due to the pandemic. In the coming year, there will be progress on what was decided in the common minimum programme,” he said.

Inputs from Swapnil Rawal