The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Dindigul News : `Education, unity will uplift Dalits'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 05, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Dindigul

`Education, unity will uplift Dalits'

By Our Staff Reporter

DINDIGUL, JULY 4. Education, unity and self-confidence will uplift Dalits and their standard of living, according to Kannagi Bakianathan, Director, Tamil Nadu Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Welfare Commission.

Delivering the inaugural address at a conference of the SC/ST State and Central Government Employees Association held here today, she said education would bring about an effective change in the lives of SC/ST people, besides boosting self-confidence and self-respect.

Dalits must be aware of welfare schemes announced exclusively for them by the Government, Ms. Kannagi said, adding that Dalit youth should opt for self-employment, availing themselves of facilities provided by the Government.

The Director expressed a concern over "inordinate" delay in clearing loan applications of SC/ST people. There was a lot of hindrance for Dalits to get bank loans.

Bankers demanded collateral security even for small loans. Various reasons were cited for rejection of loan applications given by Dalits, she said, advising bankers to extend full cooperation to Dalits.

The Joint Director of Health Services, J. Amala Devi, appealed to parents to send their wards to schools, as education would ensure their economic development.

Improvement of social status would build self-respect among Dalits.

The vice-president of the association, A. Sivabalan, explained the pathetic conditions of Adi Dravida hostels in the district. Maintenance of those hostels was almost nil.

The District Revenue Officer, N. Jeyaraman, spoke.

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`Education, unity will uplift Dalits'