Urgent Plea: Minister Seethakka Demands Vital Increase in Central Government Funding for Crucial Welfare Schemes
Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), has urged the Central government to increase funding for welfare schemes in response to rising living costs. Speaking at the two-day national review conference ‘Chintan Shivir’ in Agra, coordinated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ms. Seethakka expressed concerns over stagnant Central scheme funds amidst soaring inflation. She highlighted that monthly pensions for the elderly, widows, and the disabled have not seen an increase for over a decade and raised alarms over budget cuts in schemes benefiting the underprivileged, worsening the plight of marginalized communities.
Ms. Seethakka acknowledged the Telangana government’s initiatives, including combating drug abuse through awareness programs and youth outreach campaigns. She called for the restoration of full benefits under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana,’ which currently supports only one child, leaving many poor women and children at risk of malnutrition. Additionally, she recommended issuing new ration cards to accommodate increasing family sizes and proposed a breakfast scheme in government schools to enhance student focus and learning.
The Minister also advocated for increased financial assistance for housing under the PM Awas Yojana and the establishment of fast-track courts to handle the rising violence against Dalits, particularly women. Moreover, she suggested replicating the successful Mulugu ‘container hospital’ model nationwide, equipped with facilities for nurses and health officials and a small lab, to benefit indigenous communities.
Published on September 10, 2024, at 7:00 PM IST.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/minister-seethakka-urges-increased-central-government-funding-for-welfare-schemes/article68626305.ece
Category : Telangana
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