Call to enhance ST quota

Addressing a press conference in Bangalore after the day-long meeting, National BJP ST Morcha President Faggan Singh Kulaste said the reservation quota need to be enhanced taking into consideration the ST population in the State.

Kulaste claimed that the current ST population stood at an estimated 60 lakh in the State and the present three per cent reservation was inadequate. The budgetary allocation for the welfare of STs also need to be increased appropriately, he said.

Kulaste said he would hold talks with Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and his Cabinet colleagues in this regard soon. The BJP ST Morcha, he said, would soon be submitting a “Tribal welfare” report to the Party National President. Kulaste heads the committee which has been given the task of visiting various parts of the country and prepare a report on issue concerning STs.

The committee, Kulaste said, would examine the role and effectiveness of Tribal Advisory Council operating in tribal areas.  It will also highlight the plight of tribals dwelling in forest areas, the effectiveness of laws for protecting tribal rights among others.

The BJP then plans to take up the recommendation submitted by the committee with the UPA government. Replying to queries, Kulaste said he welcomed the decision of the State government to bring in a legislation to prevent cow slaughter.