Minister Anjaneya Lays Foundation to Ambedkar Bhavan at Urwa
Mangaluru: The foundation stone laying ceremony for Ambedkar Bhavan at Urwa Store and the newly constructed girl’s hostel was inaugurated at Urwa Marigudi, here on January 17.
The Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Class Welfare Anjaneya inaugurated the girls’ hostel by lighting the traditional lamp and unveiling the plaque at Marigudi Urwa.
Later minister Anjaneya launched the website of the Social Welfare department at the Zilla Panchayat. The foundation stone laying ceremony was held at Urva stores.
The programme began with an invocation. Deputy director of Social Welfare department Dr G Santhosh Kumar welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by Minister Anjaneya by unveiling the plaque and lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering district minister In-charge Ramanath Rai said, “It is a historic day because from the past 25 years the Dalit leaders were demanding for an Ambedkar Bhavan. There were many hurdles to get the land for the Ambedkar Bhavan, finally, we got the park and open space to construct the Bhavan. We proposed the issue in the cabinet meeting and finally got the permission to build the Ambedkar Bhavan. The government led by CM Siddaramaiah has sanctioned funds to construct the Bhavan with all the modern amenities.”
Rai also said that minister Anjaneya is working hard for the development of the Koraga colony, he has even lived with them to understand their problems. He also had food with them which we appreciate a lot. Rai also said that the people of Dakshina Kannada have benefitted more from the government schemes. Today there are 13 programmes in the district and projects costing Rs 23 crore are being inaugurated. The programme has started in Mangaluru and will end in Sullia. For the welfare of the SC/ST, Rs 20,000 crores have been reserved, unutilised funds will be carried forward for the coming year, he said.
Speaking on the occasion Minister Anjaneya said, “The Ambedkar Bhavan was a long pending issue which has been realised today. Last year I was here to inspect the land to build the Bhavan, there was a Radio Park and open place which the government sanctioned to construct the Bhavan, The Bhavan will be constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore. The work should be completed by December 2017. We do not have any problems for the funds, the concern authorities should start the work immediately and complete project by December.”
Minister Anjaneya further said, “The Ambedkar Bhavan will be used as a multi-purpose Bhavan with all the facilities, such as marriage hall, kitchen, hall for the community and cultural programmes. There will also be guests houses, dining hall, kitchen, car parking and a marriage hall. This hall is not only for Dalits but people from all walks of life can utilise this hall.”
Minister Anjaneya also said, “Once upon a time Udupi and Mangaluru were the cities of God and Goddesses and the Dalits were not allowed to enter the temples and schools. But many people worked for the welfare of the Dalits and today we remember them. Ambedkar worked for the welfare of the Dalits throughout his life. The Siddaramaiah government is celebrating the 125th birth Anniversary of Ambedkar in a special way by constructing Ambedkar Bhavan’s in every district and also constructing 4 lakh houses at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh each under the Ambedkar Nivas scheme”.
Mayor Harinath delivered the presidential address. Minister U T Khader, MLA J R Lobo, Chief Whip Ivan D’Souza, Deputy Commissioner Dr Jagadeesha, DCP Crime and traffic Dr Sanjeev Patil, ZP CEO Dr M R Ravi, MCC commissioner Mohammed Nazir, former Mayor Sashidhar Hegde, Kavitha Sanil, Appi and others were also present.
