The suggestions at the meeting revolved around the key things like access to quality education, affordable healthcare and livelihood opportunities. Given the expanding scope of the private sector, many participants stressed the need for reservation in private sector.
The need for ensuring adequate representation of SCs, STs and OBCs within the party and the government was also discussed.
Another important thing that emerged was the need to provide comprehensive social security to the unorganized sector of which the SCs, STs and OBCs comprised the over-whelming majority, a party release said.
A number of participants suggested that the land reform agenda should be revisited and access to the land for the poor should be enhanced AICC Chairman of the the Scheduled Castes Department K Raju said that there was an overwhelming demand for central legislation to ensure national coverage of SC sub plan and tribal sub plan as it was noted that there are currently problems in its implementation in states.
Two Congress ruled Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have already passed SC sub-plan and tribal sub-plan legislations to prevent diversion of funds meant exclusively for the benefit of SCs and STs, a fact appreciated by the participants.
Five such consultations are being organised by the party with various sections like minorities, women and youth.
To a question about Congress declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate, Ramesh said that Congress President Sonia Gandhi has answered it in clear and categorical terms that the PM candidate will be announced at an opportune time.
Ramesh said that the state level elections are different from central elections.
“We have lost elections. It is a matter of disappointment but also a huge challenge. We will rise to the occasion,” he said. He also felt that Congress's come back in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh is a big development.
