Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi recently met with a delegation of researchers, activists, and social workers from dalit and adivasi communities who are advocating for a national law to allocate a fixed portion of the Union Budget to these communities.

Gandhi expressed his support for this initiative, noting that similar laws in Karnataka and Telangana have led to significant benefits. He emphasized the need for concrete steps to ensure Dalits and Adivasis have meaningful representation and a voice in governance.

Rahul Gandhi further highlighted that while the UPA government had introduced ‘Sub-Plans’ for Dalits and Adivasis at the national level, these provisions have been weakened under the current administration, resulting in only a minimal portion of the budget reaching these communities. He underscored the necessity of a national law to guarantee a fair share of the budget for schemes specifically designed to address the needs of Dalits and Adivasis. 

Mallepalli Laxmaiah, Chairperson of the Centre for Dalit Studies (CDS), emphasized the importance of reinforcing and expanding the existing framework. He stated, ‘Rahul Gandhi responded positively to our discussions, and we have also requested the enactment of this law in Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. Additionally, Karnataka and Telangana should conduct a thorough review to ensure better implementation of the SC/ST Sub-Plan Act.’

Laxmaiah has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), leading movements for the SC/ST Sub-Plan Act in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. He currently serves as the Chairperson of the Centre for Dalit Studies.

Rahul Gandhi tweeted ‘I met a delegation of researchers, activists and social workers from Dalit and Adivasi communities who demanded a national law dedicating a share of the Union Budget to Dalits and Adivasis.’

'Such a law is in place in Karnataka and Telangana, and has led to significant benefits flowing to communities. At a national level too, the UPA government had introduced the concept of ‘Sub-Plans’ for Dalits and Adivasis. However, the Modi government has weakened this provision and has been allocating only a miniscule share of the budget to these communities,’ Rahul tweeted.  

‘We need a national law which guarantees a significant share of the budget to schemes designed, targeted, and dedicated to meet the needs of Dalit and Adivasis,’ tweeted Rahul Gandhi.

The delegation also included notable activists such as Paul Diwakar, Founder of the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR), Beena Palikal of NCDHR, Ashok Bharathi, Founder of the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organizations (NACDOR) and Manjula Pradeep, a prominent Dalit women’s rights activist.