Dalit Bandhu for 2 lakh beneficiaries by year-end, says Harish Rao

Glowing tributes paid to Ambedkar across the State on his 131st birth anniversary

Rich tributes were paid to B.R. Ambedkar, chief architect of the Indian Constitution, across the State on the occasion of his 131 st birth anniversary on Thursday.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao paid floral tributes to Ambedkar’s portrait at Pragati Bhavan. Former minister M. Narasimhulu, MP Jogianapally Santosh Kumar, MLCs Palla Rajeswar Reddy, Naveen Rao, Pochampally Srinivas Reddy, MLA M. Krishna Rao, Chief Minister’s Secretary Rajasekhar Reddy and ODS Deshapathi Srinivas were present.

Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Council Chairman Gutta Sukhender Reddy, Government whip in Council M.S. Prabhakar Rao and MLC Kavitha paid tributes to Ambedkar on the Assembly premises. Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Srinivas Reddy called upon people to follow in the footsteps of Ambedkar.

Paying tributes in Siddipet, Minister for Finance and Health T. Harish Rao said that the government was committed to the welfare of dalits and as part of that, Dalit Bandhu assistance would be extended to about 2 lakh beneficiaries by this year-end. He said that about ₹17,000 crore had been allocated to the scheme in this budget.

“Dalit Bandhu would be extended to all eligible families. A security fund is also being established for the beneficiaries. We are extending an amount of ₹20 lakh to students from the community to study abroad,” said Mr. Harish Rao.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister E. Dayakar Rao, paying tributes in Warangal, said the Chief Minister has been striving hard to achieve the goals of Ambedkar.

Tribal and Women Welfare Minister Satyavathi Rathod garlanded the statue of Ambedkar in Mahabubabad.