Widens scope of SC/ST welfare fund; list of works now 27

The Aam Aadmi Party government on Thursday announced its decision to widen the scope of developmental works that can be undertaken by legislators through the utilisation of the SC/ST welfare fund as well as its approval for an electricity subsidy for 1984 riot victims residing in various pockets of the Capital.

Announcing the decisions, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the list of works that can be undertaken has been increased from the existing five to 27, and will now include steps like installation of CCTVs.

“We took the decision as money allotted under this head was not getting spent. Around ₹50 crore has been allotted for the same in the current financial year,” he said at a press conference.

Mr. Sisodia said the decision, taken by the Delhi Cabinet on Wednesday, will cover around 5,500 blocks. The fund can be used in areas where the SC/ST population is over 33%.

One time settlement

In addition to this, the Cabinet, Mr. Sisodia said, had also decided to waive all pending electricity bills, including late payment surcharge and penalties, as a one-time settlement scheme for the victims of the 1984 riots and the extension of the existing electricity subsidy of 50% to them.

He explained that under the previous arrangement, works such as repair or construction of community bathrooms, drains or pavements, community centres and approach roads could be undertaken. “Now, a wide variety of works related to parks, installation of CCTVs, construction of sports facilities, libraries, gymnasiums and even installation of street lights have been included in the list,” he said.

Rajendra Pal Gautam, who recently took charge of the SC/ST and Social Welfare Departments, said the government has also decided to tweak the way the fund can be used.