Pics: Spoorthi Ullal / Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jan 17: Minister for social welfare and backward classes H Anjaneya on Tuesday January 17 laid the foundation stone for Ambedkar Bhavan at Urwa Store, and also inaugurated the new girls' hostel at Urwa Marigudi here.

While the Ambedkar Bhavan would be built at a cost of Rs 12.31 crore, the hostel for post-metric girls was constructed at a cost of Rs 3.96 crore.

Addressing the gathering after unveiling the plaque, Anjaneya said, "The Ambedkar Bhavan will be built at a cost of Rs 12 crore. I was here last year to inspect the spot that had been earmarked by the government for the project. With the contruction of the Bhavan, a long-pending dream of the people of this region will materialise. The Bhavan is expected to be ready by the end of this year.

He also said urged the officials concerned to finish the work by December, stressing that there was no shortage of funds.

Elaborating on the project, the minister said, "The Ambedkar Bhavan will be multi-utility, and could be rented out as marriage hall or for cultural programmes or community functions. It will be equipped with all necessary facilities like guest rooms, kitchen, ample space for car parking, dining hall and marriage hall."

He also emphasized that the use of the Ambedkar Bhavan will not be restricted only to Dalits. "The Bhavan can be used by people from all communities," he said.

Recalling the life and contribution of Dr B R Ambedkar, he said, "Dr Ambedkar struggled for the rights of Dalits all his life. There was disparity in the undivided Dakshina Kannada too, but due to the efforts of several like-minded persons, discrimination on the basis of caste has reduced to a great extent here.

"To commemorate the 125th anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, the Congress state government has planned to construct Ambedkar Bhavans in every district. We are also constructing four lac houses at a cost of Rs 1.5 lac each under the Ambedkar Nivas Yojana," he added.

District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai said, "This is a historic day. The long-pending demand of Dalit leaders has finally materialized. As there were obstacles like availability of space, the Bhavan could not be constructed all these years. Now, with the government led by chief minister Siddarmaiah approving the project, the Bhavan will be constructed with this year with all modern facilities.

He also lauded minister Anjaneya for his concern towards the lesser previliged and for the development works he has undertaken for their welfare. He also informed that Rs 23 crore worth of projects are being launched in different parts of Dakshina Kannada district in a day during the minister's visit.

Deputy director of social welfare department Dr G Santosh Kumar welcomed the gathering.

Mayor Harinath presided over the programme.

Food and civil supplies minister U T Khader, MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D'Souza, DC Dr K G Jagadeesha, DCP Sanjeeva Patil, MCC commissioner Mohammed Nazeer, and others were present.

Anjaneya also launched the website of the state social welfare department at zilla panchayat later.