Reiterating the CPI(M) demand for a sub-plan for the Muslims in line with that for the uplift of tribals, both leaders said only the West Bengal Government has so far created a sub-plan for its 2007-8 budget.

Regarding the Government’s promise to provide 15 per cent priority sector lending to minorities, the leaders said the RBI’s annual report has not mentioned anything about giving priority credit to minorities.

Brinda draws attention to delay in forest rights Bill

Asserting that rules to grant forestland rights to tribals have not yet been notified, the CPI(M) on Monday alleged that “some lobby” within or outside the UPA Government was intending to “sabotage” the Tribal Act. CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat had earlier written to PM Manmohan Singh, urging him to intervene in the issue. “Some lobby — whether it is within or outside the UPA Government or the bureaucracy — is trying to sabotage the tribal Bill,” party Politburo member Brinda Karat said. She said because of the Centre’s casual approach towards notifying rules, tribals were being evicted from their land. Karat expressed surprise over the Government’s inaction even after the Bill, christened as the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers Bill 2006, was adopted unanimously by both the Houses.