Taking forward the Delhi government’s plan to transform the settlements of people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Social and SC/ST Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh on Tuesday dedicated the newly completed projects, including construction of streets, roads, and drainage systems, at one such location in Katewara village, under the Bawana Assembly constituency.
The cabinet minister stated that all basic infrastructure in settlements where people from the backward communities reside will be upgraded as part of a comprehensive transformation.
He emphasized that providing basic amenities to SC communities is a top priority for the government, and mentioning the long-standing lack of infrastructure in Katewara’s SC settlements, the minister assured that continuous efforts are being made to bridge this gap.
Indraj also inspected other ongoing development works in the village, and directed officials to ensure high standards of quality to be maintained in the works being done, while he also instructed to timely complete the community hall (Chaupal).
While holding interactions with the locals during the visit, the minister highlighted several key welfare initiatives by the Delhi government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
He said that CM has given clear directions to ensure the development of essential facilities such as roads, drinking water, electricity, parks, and proper drainage across all the SC settlements in the national capital, and reiterated that the state government is fully committed to extending development to the farthest corners of the city.
The Minister also stated that all eligible students coming from the SC background are to be provided timely disbursement of pre-matric/post-matric scholarships and merit scholarships.
According to the minister, students pursuing Polytechnic, ITI, or skill development courses will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000, while plans are also underway to increase the financial aid provided to SC students studying abroad.
Hostels for the SC/ ST students in Delhi, that had remained closed for a long time, will be reopened, and new hostels will be established in every district of the national capital, Indraj added.
According to the minister, the Delhi Scheduled Castes Financial and Development Corporation (DSFDC) is also being restructured to financially empower the poor and marginalized communities, and promote their self-reliance.