Collector Shashi Bhushan Kumar on Wednesday underscored the need for education among Dalits, which would help eradicate casteist discrimination.
Speaking at B.R. Ambedkar's 120th birth anniversary celebrations in Kalakshetram, he said casteist discrimination was quite rampant despite various enactments, as it was deeply ingrained in society since five centuries.
Dalits would earn respect and a social standing and would not be subject to discrimination if they pursued higher studies, he said.
He urged one and all to strive to achieve the goals envisaged by B.R. Ambedkar.
Welfare schemes
Kadapa SP, B. Malla Reddy said several welfare schemes were being implemented for the uplift of Dalits and they should empower themselves by availing the benefits.
Urging the Dalits to draw the officials' attention to certain lapses in implementation of the schemes, he exhorted Dalit associations and leaders to strive to curb irregularities.
The Atrocities Against SC/ST (Prevention) Act 1989 was a revolutionary steps towards protecting the rights of Dalits, he said.
Incentives
The Collector, SP, Congress MLC Shaik Hussain and Kodur MLA K. Srinivasulu gave away incentives to some inter-caste couples.
Additional Joint Collector G. Joshi Babu, Executive Director of SC Corporation E. Muralimanohar, Deputy Director of Social Welfare Madhusudhan, Zion College correspondent K. Rajarathnam Isaac, Sambepalle mandal president Reddanna, Mala Mahanadu leader J.V. Ramana, Dalit leaders G.V. Ramana, Swaminatham and Gangaiah were amont those present.
