Govt committed to Dalit empowerment: Balka Suman

Mancherial: Government Whip Balka Suman asserted that the government was implementing a slew of welfare and developmental initiatives for the empowerment of Dalit communities. He was addressing a gathering at a thanks-giving meeting held by a various Dalit organisations at a function hall in Kyathanpalli on Thursday.

Suman said the Chief Minister’s Dalit Empowerment Scheme announced recently was a novel initiative and would usher in the uplift and financial empowerment of Dalit communities. He stated that 100 households would be extended Rs 10 lakh each in the first phase of the programme, aimed at the economic growth and welfare of weaker sections.

The Chennur legislator said that Dalits achieved development with the help of reservations in education, jobs and provisions of Indian Constitution authored by Dr BR Ambedkar. He added that many Dalits were able to enjoy posts at Centre and State level due to the Constitution. He requested to remember the welfare schemes and developmental programmes implemented by the government.

The government whip further stated that the government spent Rs 1,422 crore for implementation of the schemes and programmes, benefitting 1.82 lakh Dalits across the State in its seven-year long governance. He said that scholarships were given to 16 lakh students, while Rs 1,723 crore was spent for providing financial aid to 5 lakh students studying in hostels so far. A sum of Rs 750 crore was realized for extending 3 acre cultivable land to 6,874 landless Dalits.

Earlier, Suman accompanied by Peddapalli MP Dr B Venkatesh Netha, MLC Puranam Satheesh Kumar and Collector Bharathi Hollikeri planted saplings in Bheemaram mandal centre as part of the seventh edition of Telangana Ku Harita Haram. He urged the public to take part in the massive plantation drive and to strive hard for surviving the saplings.

Peddapalli Dr B Venkatesh Netha, legislators N Diwakar Rao and Durgam Chinnaiah, Government Whip N Bhagya Laxmi, District Libraries Corporation Chairman R Praveen, former Chennur MLA N Odelu, municipal chairpersons belonging to Kyathanpalli and Chennur civic bodies and ZPTC members attended the meeting.