Revenue Minister V. Srinivas Prasad has said that “discrimination and exploitation” of people based on caste is still prevalent.
He was speaking after inaugurating an event to celebrate the 123rd birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar, organised by the BHEL SC/ST Welfare Association at the Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL), here on Wednesday.
Mr. Prasad said, “The most inhuman ways of harassment are taking place despite people voicing their concerns through various organisations.”
N. Manjunatha Prasad, Managing Director, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), said that only some people from such communities had progressed, while others were still grappling with poverty and illiteracy. There was a need for those who have progressed to take along those who had been left behind. He said, “Once a person is successful, he should help others succeed…please think of others.”
Mr. Prasad said Mr. Ambedkar’s message to people was to get educated and to progress.
He said that those who lived in Bangalore would find it difficult to understand that untouchability was practised and that discrimination continued to take place in villages.
C.N. Ashwathnarayana, Malleswaram MLA, said, “People talk about culture and upbringing, but the most important quality, central to all ideas, is being humane.” He said that equality for all was clearly enshrined in the Constitution.
At the event, uniforms and footwear were given away to 45 children of a government school in Guttepalya village, which has been adopted by BHEL’s Electroporcelain Division (BHEL–EPD).
