Dalit bodies vow to fight for their rights
Ongole: The Constitution was adopted on this day in 1949, yet the fruits of development have not reached the Dalits, opined various Dalit organisations which resolved to wage relentless struggle to ensure socio-economic and political justice for the downtrodden sections of people.
Speaking after paying floral tributes to Constitution architect B.R. Ambedkar, Dalit Hakkula Porata Sangham (DHPS) State general secretary Karavadi Subba Rao said Dalits came under attack across the country as Hindutva forces went berserk emboldened by the “communal” BJP in power at the Centre.
Discrimination against Dalits well-documented by Justice K. Punnaiah continued in various forms even now, lamented Acharya N.G. Ranga Kisan Samasta secretary Ch. Seshaiah. The rate of conviction in SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities cases was very poor and as a result Dalits were denied justice, said Madiga Corporation Sadhana Samiti State convenor Kommuri Kanaka Rao Madiga. The working of the Constitution proved right the Dalit icon’s prediction that even the best constitution would be a mere waste paper if it was not implemented with sincerity, felt AP Agricultural Workers district secretary R. Venkat Rao.
‘Awareness needed’
Tirupati Staff Reporter adds:
The contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution who strived for providing democratic rights to citizens, were hailed during the Constitution Day celebrations at Tirupati on Sunday.
Kerala High Court Judge D. Seshadri Naidu, at an event at the Sri Venkateswara University (SVU), remarked that the constitution had recognised the inherent fundamental rights of the individuals and focussed on retaining them. Mr. Naidu opined that organising awareness programmes on legal issues was essential for both law students and people.
The principals of the local law colleges, faculty and judges took part.
Meanwhile, at the Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) Fourth Additional District Judge G. Rama Gopal opined that awareness on rights and responsibilities offered by the constitution had the power to drive away economic imbalances in the society.
Stating that education would increase self-confidence among people, he called upon law students to have a thorough knowledge of legal issues.
SPMVV Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. Durga Bhavani said students with better knowledge could offer quality services to the people and become good advocates and judges.
Source: The Hindu
