Expressing concern about the dilution of the SC/ST Act, the chief minister said the Congress would strive to restore powers given to the Dalits under it. Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary, the chief minister paid glowing tributes to the social reformer, describing him as a far-sighted man who could visualise the future and who drafted the Constitution accordingly. Lauding Ambedkar’s role in promoting the welfare of Dalits, Singh said he was hand-picked by India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru for his extensive knowledge. The chief minister also announced a new degree college in Buta Mandi, Jalandhar and establishment of B.R. Punjab Congress president and Gurdaspur MP Sunil Jakhar appreciated Singh’s efforts to uplift the Dalit community, saying the chief minister had announced the waiver of their loans up to Rs50,000 for this reason.

Source: Mint April 14, 2018 16:18 UTC