Dalit Bandhu Scheme is a protection shield for marginalized communities: KCR

TRS government is set to implement the scheme in the poll-bound Huzurabad constituency on a pilot basis from Monday. Later it will be implemented in other constituencies as well.

It may be mentioned Hazurabad seat fell vacant after the resignation of former Health Minister and MLA Etela Rajender. He quit TRS to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Addressing the gathering after unfurling the tricolor at Golconda Fort here, KCR said the scheme was designed to financially empower the Dalits and end social discrimination.

"I declare with full confidence that the Dalit Bandhu scheme, designed in the light of ideas of great personalities Mahatma Jyothi Rao Phule, Bharat Ratna Dr. B R Ambedkar will bring a new light in the lives of Dalits", he said

KCR noted that the government has sanctioned funds for the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme in the budget this year.

The CM said that under Dalit Bandhu, marginalized communities would be able to start their business and live with self-respect in society.

"The government is striving hard to make Dalit Bandhu Scheme a movement. Telangana government is moving ahead with a broad vision of providing justice to every community in the state. Even after 75 years of Independence, we should all accept the harsh truth that darkness looms large over lives of Dalits," he said.

He said the entire administrative machinery of the country should understand the golden words of Babasaheb Ambedkar about democracy and equality. ''Democracy is equality. We have to eradicate the financial and social inequalities in this country as early as possible and the development of Dalits should be the first step," he said.

He said the Dalit Bandhu scheme is a protection shield for marginalized communities. "Dalit Protection fund has been introduced for the first time in the country. Under the scheme, Rs 10 lakh will be given by the government to every beneficiary. Dalit Bandhu Samithies will be established in villages, mandals, constituencies, districts. The fund will be managed by these samithies. District collectors will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Dalit Bandhu scheme and supervision of the Dalit protection fund," he said.