A two-day conclave of scheduled caste leaders organised as part of Congress' nationwide programme to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary year of Bhim Rao Ambedkar began here today.
The conclave will deliberate on issues confronting the Dalits and also suggest ways to address these. It will come up with a declaration which will be submitted to the manifesto committee to be incorporated in the party's manifesto for Punjab polls.
Lauding the contribution of B R Ambedkar towards building of a modern, democratic India, the Congress leaders said, his teachings, values and ideals were as relevant today as 70 years ago.
Those present at the conclave included Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh, chairperson of the Election Campaign Committee Ambika Soni, general secretary in-charge of Punjab Shakeel Ahmad, CLP leader Charanjit Singh Channi, and senior leaders Partap Singh Bajwa, besides Manpreet Singh Badal.
Addressing the conclave, Amarinder said caste divisions still prevailing in the society have to be rooted out and the teachings of Ambedkar followed and implemented in letter and spirit.
Alleging the Akali-BJP government did not fill the vacant posts reserved for scheduled caste candidates, he said, as the Chief Minister (2002-07) he had created a fund of Rs 500 crore for social welfare schemes including provisions of pensions to old people, handicapped and widows.
He claimed, under the Akali-BJP regime the pensions were delayed by as long as nine months.
Recalling Ambedkar's contribution to the nation, particularly in the upliftment of Dalits, Shakeel Ahmad said, his 125th birth anniversary year was being celebrated in Ludhiana as part of Congress' nationwide programme and it has nothing to do with the 2017 Punjab Assembly Elections.
