The State Cabinet on Tuesday approved constituting the Scheduled Caste commission for the State. “The demand has been pending since the formation of the State. Around 40 lakh SCs residing in the State would be benefited with the decision. The Commission would formulate policies for their welfare and lessen their woes,” said Revenue and land Reforms Minister Amar Kumar Bauri.
This apart, four more special courts under SC/ST atrocities act in Ranchi, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh and Deoghar—more than 100 cases are pending in these places—would be setup.
Also present on the occasion was Home Secretary SKG Rahate who said the Cabinet has decided to open affordable medicine stores at all the Government medical colleges as well as at every Government hospital having at least 500 beds. “The Deendayal PM Jan Ausadhi Kendras would be opened in all these places under Amrit (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) scheme. Government of India agency Hll lifecare limited has been given the task on nomination basis. The medical stores would make available medicines, essential implants, surgical equipments and disposables at affordable prices,” said the official.
Another important decision has come with formation of Special Intelligence Bureau at the State level. The cell is to assist and pass secret information to security forces camping in leftwing extremist areas to deal with naxal instances.
The Secretary further added that a new scheme named as ‘Niranchal’ at cost of Rs 202 crore has been approved. “The scheme is to better the watershed system running under the PM Krishi Schichai Yojna. The fund is coming from the World Bank and the Centre. Also, NAFED has been appointed on nomination basis to setup soil testing mini labs at 1864 panchayats across the State. The agency would also supply 2600 refills for the mini lab already operating here,” said Rahate.
The Cabinet, at the same time, sanctioned annual grant in the tune of Rs 299 lakh to Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University, Morhabadi for running courses such as B Sc, diploma, PGD etc for youths of the State and help them in getting jobs, self employment and income enhancement. A decision to amend rules of municipal election was taken allowing the candidates to use political parties’ symbols registered with the Election Commission.