Crucial Meeting in Dharamshala Advocates for SC/ST Development Fund Law

In Dharamshala, a crucial meeting took place between the State Alliance for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Fund Law and the Chief Minister’s Political Advisor. The discussions focused on the urgent need for a Special Law to ensure equitable development for SC/ST communities in Himachal Pradesh. Mr. Sunil Kumar Sharma acknowledged the constitutional rights of these groups and promised to advocate for the law with the Chief Minister. The meeting also revisited previous commitments made by political leaders, emphasizing the importance of budget allocations and legal protections for SC/ST rights. The alliance is hopeful for swift action towards enacting this vital legislation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2026, 16:11 IST

Key Discussions on SC/ST Development Fund Law

Dharamshala - A pivotal meeting took place at the Circuit House in Dharamshala, where representatives from the State Alliance for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Fund Law engaged with the Chief Minister’s Political Advisor, Mr. Sunil Kumar Sharma (Bittu). The dialogue, which extended for over ninety minutes, centered on the longstanding request for the establishment of a “Special Law for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Fund” in Himachal Pradesh.

Mr. Sharma recognized that the SC/ST Development Fund is a constitutional entitlement for these communities and committed to effectively presenting the issue to the Chief Minister. He stressed the importance of creating a law that guarantees fair development and justice for these marginalized groups.

This initiative has its roots in the efforts of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who introduced the SC/ST Sub-Plan during the Sixth Five-Year Plan. Mr. Sharma expressed his support for the alliance’s demands, labeling them as a historic and constitutional imperative, and pledged to facilitate a meeting between the Chief Minister and the alliance representatives to expedite the legislative process.

During the meeting, alliance members reflected on their previous engagement on April 2, 2025, with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mr. Rahul Gandhi, who endorsed the push for budget allocations in line with population proportions and legal measures to protect SC/ST rights. The representatives urged the Himachal Pradesh Government to honor the commitments outlined in the party’s election manifesto and initiate the law-making process.

The meeting was organized by Ms. Vimla Vishwapremi, Convenor of the Parvatiya Mahila Adhikar Manch. Notable attendees included Mr. D.P. Chandra (Retd. IFS Officer), Mr. Dayaram Verma, Mr. Joginder Singh, Mr. Sarvan Kumar, Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Mr. Raghubir Singh Bhatiya, Mr. Sajjan Singh Bhatiya, Mr. Prakash Chand Bhatiya, Ms. Rajni Vyas (Former Mayor, Dharamshala), Ms. Radha (Ekla Nari Shakti Sangathan), Mr. Kishan Chand (Additional SP, Una), Mr. Sanjay Kumar (Land Rights Forum), Dr. Suresh Chand, Mr. Uttam Chand, Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Mr. Milkhi Ram, Mr. Sukhdev Vishwapremi, along with media representatives from Sach Time Channel — Mr. Kamal Saroch and Mr. Ravinder Kumar.

The alliance expressed appreciation to Mr. Sharma for his understanding and dedication, urging the Chief Minister to take prompt action towards the enactment of the SC/ST Development Fund Law in Himachal Pradesh.

Issued by: State Alliance for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Fund Law Contact: 9418425543 Email: pcfseeih@gmail.com