Bhopal, Mar 19: A number of steps have been taken towards welfare and all round development of scheduled castes by ensuring maximum benefits of the schemes to them in the state, says Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Singh announced that four post matric hostels of 100 seats each would be set up at Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior for which Rs eight crore have been sanctioned. The construction of Dr BR Ambedkar memorial has already been completed. It would be dedicated to people on the occasion of Ambedkar Mahakumbh to be organised on April 14 this year. Residential and transport facilities would be provided for the devotees coming to the congregation, he added.

The Chief Minister said that loan distribution functions would be organized for members of scheduled castes at division level. Ambedkar Mangal Bhawans would be constructed at a cost of Rs 15 lakh each in 189 predominantly scheduled caste blocks.

Chouhan was speaking after launching a programme for distribution of Rs 100 loans to 10,234 beneficiaries at Lal Parade Ground here today. He informed that all 44 announcements made by him at Anusuchit Jati Panchayat last year have been fulfilled. The Chief Minister handed over ownership papers of vehicles to 500 beneficiaries on the occasion. He said that the annual income limit for admission in post matric hostels would be increased from Rs 1.80 lakh to Rs three lakh.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great happiness that loans are being distributed to such a large number of scheduled caste beneficiaries. Facilities are being provided to scheduled caste students for studies within and outside the country. A provision of Rs 15 lakh for each student has been made for this purpose. The girls would be imparted training of air hostage and other trades.

He dwelt at length on the seven schemes being implemented for scheduled castes including Maharshi Valmiki Pratishtha Yojana, Sant Ravidas Residence cum Workshop Scheme, Deendayal Market Development Scheme, Sister Nivedita Self-employment Group Development Scheme, Antyodaya Market Promotion Scheme, Dr Ambedkar Scheduled Caste Self-employment training Scheme and Social Justice and Recovery Incentive Scheme and called upon the members of scheduled castes to derive maximum benefits out of them.

Chouhan also informed that the income limit for stipend and the capacity of hostels have been increased. Coaching is being provided in English, mathematics and computer at division level post matric hostels and free textbooks and uniforms are being provided to the students. Assistance is being provided for purchase of cycles to the girls going to school to another village. Arrangements have been made for providing training to the youths of scheduled castes in Indo German Tool Room, Indore and other reputed institutions. He made a token distribution of loans to some beneficiaries on the occasion.

State BJP president Narendra Singh Tomar said that Dr Ambedkar made relentless efforts to end social inequality and for uplift of the scheduled castes. Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya also strived to shape an egalitarian society. The people of scheduled castes are benefiting from various schemes. Member of Parliament Satyanarayan Jatia called upon the people of scheduled castes to get organized and educated to lead a better life. National General Secretary of BJP Thawarchand Gahalot said that under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpaiyee had supported the reservation system for scheduled castes. The Patwa government had decided to raise the Ambedkar Memorial at Mhow way back in 1990.

The Minister for Scheduled Castes Development Jagdish Devada informed that employment has been provided to about 70 thousand people scheduled castes over last four years. The chairman of Scheduled Castes Finance Development Corporation Indresh Gajbhiye also spoke on the occasion. Vice chairman Rodmal Rathore proposed a vote of thanks. The Minister for Finance Raghavji; President of BJP Scheduled Castes Cell Pooran Singh Palaiya; MLA Kamlapat Arya and Managing Director of the Corporation SR Mohanthy were also present on the occasion.