'Celebrations meaningful when facilities reach the needy'

Speaking after inaugurating 119th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar organised jointly by district administration and Social Welfare department, he said “it is wrong to project Ambedkar as a leader of Dalits. He is the leader of all the segments of the society who are deprived of facilities.” He said “Amedkar wanted to bring the oppressed class to the mainstream of the society.

There is a need to analyse as how many targetted groups get the facilities provided by the government. There are several istances of non utilisation of funds earmarked for the welfare of SC/STs.”  Bopaiah said: “We all have to think how far we have succeeded in implementing the ideologies of Ambedkar. Observing birth anniversary is not enough. There is a need to think why Dalits are in same condition even after 60 years of independence.

The Government is spending crores of rupees for the welfare of the oppressed class. Unfortunately, the beneficiaries are not getting the benefits. Where does the money go which the government has been spending all these years. There is a need to provide facilities to Dalits to allow them to lead a normal life,” he added.

When Dalits give emphasis to education and come forward, even the society recognises them, he said.  MLC T John said “Dalits and minorities are harassed by filing false cases in Kodagu police stations. The SP should look into such matters. Political parties should not interfere in such cases. If political parties interfere, then such cases will take a political colour.”

The 21 unemployed youths from SC/ST community were given loan approval letter for purchasing taxi by the Indian Bank and tourism department on the occasion.  Zilla Panchayat President V M Vijaya presided. Deputy Commissioner K H Ashwathanarayana Gowda, ZP Vice President Anitha Kanjithanda, CMC President P D Ponnappa and others were present.