The proposed legislation is aimed at "removing deficiencies in effective implementation of SC sub-plan and ST sub-plan and ensuring an accelerated development of SCs and STs through effective institutional mechanisms," according to the statement of objects and reasons cited in the Bill.
Moving the Bill, the Chief Minister said Andhra Pradesh would be the first state in the country to have such legislation with appropriate legislative framework for "accelerated development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes for ensuring security, social dignity and promotion of equity."
Once enacted, the law would be implemented from the 2013-14 financial year, he added.
Recalling that the sub-plan for STs was launched in 1975-76 and for SCs in 1979-80, the Chief Minister said nowhere in the country were the funds allotted for the purpose being properly utilised.
"There has neither been proper allocation of funds nor utilisation under the sub-plans. In the absence of a legal framework, funds were diverted for different purposes by every government," he said.
The Planning Commission in its analysis in 2006 came out with the revelation that the sub-plan funds were not delivering intended benefits to the targeted groups, Kiran noted. MORE