Thrust on welfare of reserved categories

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has laid special emphasis on the welfare of the backward classes, Scheduled Castes and Tribes in his budget, going by the funds allotted to various schemes.

Siddaramaiah, an Ahinda (Alpasankhyataru, Hindulidavaru, Dalitaru - minotiries, backward classes and dalits) leader, has not disappointed the communities which stood by the Congress in the Assembly elections.

The primary focus is on welfare of the students. The budget proposes to increase the income ceiling to Rs one lakh per annum to avail of the benefits for backward classes, 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B categories. The limit will be increased to Rs 2.5 lakh in case of students belong to category-I.

The scholarship for SC/ST students entering class 10 will be increased to Rs 150 and Rs 200 for boys and girls respectively. Besides, monthly food allowance for post-matriculation students staying in hostels will be enhanced to Rs 1,000 from Rs 850 and that for students below class 10 will be increased to Rs 900 from Rs 750.