"Request has been made to not reduce the grants of Valmiki Corporation": Karnataka CM Siddaramiah

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 15 : In a press conference held on Tuesday Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah said that he had received many requests to not reduce the grant of the Valmiki Corporation.
Speaking to the media persons, the CM said, "In my meeting with the MLAs and Swamiji from the Scheduled Tribe communities, we discussed two issues. First, request has been made by both of them to not reduce the grants. They have asked for additional funds. Secondly, we talked about the people obtaining the fake caste certificates. I have instructed them to take appropriate action against these activities. I have also ensured that the grant allotted for the Valmiki Corporation this year should fully be given."
Further, he said that an amount of Rs 89.63 was taken out of place out of which Rs 5 crore had been returned.
"Because a misappropriation, Rs 89.63 crore has been taken place, out of which Rs 5 crore has been returned. The SIT has recorded Rs71.54 crores, and the remaining Rs 13 crores are yet to be recovered. The SIT has assured us that they will recover the remaining amount. We will have a clearer picture after that. The case is currently before the court, and we will act based on the court's decision. I have addressed the confusion regarding caste certificates and have instructed the department secretary and law department to resolve the issue and issue the necessary orders," Siddaramiah said.
Further speaking on the question of protesting against the BJP government on the issue of injustice of less funds allocated to Karnataka in the tax devolution, Siddaramiah said that the issue had not been discussed yet.
"The issue of protesting in Delhi has not been discussed at the moment. We will discuss and decide about protesting," he said,
On the by-election issue in the three constituencies of the state, Siddaramiah said that they were ready for the by- elections and would face the by-election efficiently.
Siddaramiah also appealed the people to take a pledge on not falling prey to tobacco products.
He said "We should all take a pledge not to serve tobacco. Young people should not fall prey to tobacco products. In Bengaluru, Hubli and Dharwad, the tobacco consumption is becoming common. Evils cannot be encouraged. Young men, women and students should not be a victim of the evil. I used to smoke cigarettes as a student too. After becoming the MLA, I quit smoking. If someone is consuming it now, the youth should stay away from it. I appeal and this is my message to the youth."