SC categorization demand: PM to discuss issue with officials, CWC

Social Welfare Minister Pithani Satyanarayana on Monday stated that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured to look into the long pending demand of classification of SCs.

Talking to media persons, the Minister said that Dr Manmohan Singh told the all-party delegation on the issue that the Centre would consult the Home and Social Welfare Ministry officials before taking a final decision on the issue. Apart from this, the classification of SCs issue would also be taken up during the Congress Core Committee meeting.

Mr Satyanarayana added that though the Prime Minister had not given any time frame for the discussions on classification of SCs with officials of the concerned Ministries, it was hoped that they would take place soon.  

Mr Satyanarayana said that he was optimistic that a solution to the long pending demand be found soon. He said that he hoped the Centre would solve the issue by bringing in an Amendment to the existing laws.

The all-party delegation comprised of leaders of Congress, PRP, CPM, TRS and Lok Satta. However, CPI, BJP and TDP refused to be part of delegation.

Rajya Sabha member Nandi Yellaiah criticized those parties who refused to be part of the delegation and said they should not have boycotted meeting with the Prime Minister.

The Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti, which is leading the agitation in the state, did not attend the meeting saying that Chief Minister was not leading the delegation, which shows the lack of commitment towards the issue.