Andhra Pradesh State SC/ST Commission chairman Karem Sivaji on Sunday called upon the Dalits and Girijans to make the best use of the schemes and opportunities being provided on their doorstep by the Central and State governments for their welfare and progress.
The SC/ST panel chief addressed a public meeting at the AMC Marriage hall at Puttur in the district. Earlier, he garlanded a statue of Ambedkar at the Karveti Nagaram circle and took part in a rally organised by the SC/ST associations through the arterial junctions.
Mr. Sivaji said that the commission was working without yielding to any pressure and above politics, keeping in view the SC/ST development. “These underprivileged sections were branded as thieves during the British Raj, and this made them submissive for a long period. Only when Ambedkar gave the clarion call to them to fight for their rights, they started coming into the mainstream and realising the importance of freedom. You (Dalits and Girijans) should concentrate on studies and make good use of the government welfare schemes such as NTR Vidyonnathi and Ambedkar Overseas Scheme,” he said.
Special Praja Vani
When the SC/ST forum leaders brought to his notice several problems faced by them, including reservation issues, atrocities and encroachment of their lands, Mr. Sivaji told them to attend the “Special Praja Vani” at the Sub-Collector’s office in Tirupati on September 20.
He said that he would speak to the police and district authorities to solve their issues quickly.
He asked the officials at the mandal level to hold awareness campaigns to educate the SC/ST youth and women regarding the government schemes aimed at their development.
He further told the officials to hold special drives for the target groups to facilitate additions and omissions in their Aadhaar cards.
Joint Director (Social welfare) Vijay Kumar, Girijan Welfare Officer Eeswara Rao and senior officials of various government departments were present.
