National

PM regrets continuing atrocities against Dalits

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI MAY 16. The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, has called for a `mission mode' approach for effective change in the social sector.

Speaking at a convention of MPs, belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Vajpayee said that until such an approach was adopted, social justice could not be ensured. The Government was keen on increasing the financial allocation for various empowerment schemes for the benefits of these two sections, he said. Before it was done, "we would need to ponder and do a little introspection on whether the limited resources are being properly utilised. We have to ensure that the funds reach the targeted people and our MPs act as watch dogs for the purpose and help generate necessary awareness.''

The Prime Minister regretted that atrocities were still being committed against SC,ST members of society and the situation called for a transformation of society. This change should come through awareness, proper appreciation of the concerns of the weaker sections and adoption of a practical approach to ameliorate their lot and not through violence.

Welcoming the Prime Minister, the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Satyanarain Jatiya, said the literacy rate among the SCs and the STs was 37.4 per cent against the national average of 57.7 per cent. To correct this situation, his Ministry was formulating several schemes to promote education among children belonging to these communities.

The deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, K. C. Pant, said that education was an important tool to integrate SCs,STs with the mainstream. The Centre and the States would need to work together to meet this responsibility in view of resource constraints.

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