Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale Highlights Centre's Social Justice Schemes, Reservation Policy During Uttarakhand Visit

Uttarakhand: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale arrived in Dehradun on Friday on a two-day visit to Uttarakhand. Addressing a press conference at Bijapur Guest House, he highlighted various initiatives of the Central Government aimed at promoting social justice, inclusive development and public welfare.

Shri Athawale said that the Government of India remains committed to ensuring social justice, inclusive growth and the welfare of all sections of society through various flagship schemes and policy initiatives. He stated that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been continuously working for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), transgender persons, senior citizens and other vulnerable sections.

He said that several flagship welfare schemes of the Central Government have benefited crores of people across the country. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than 58.30 crore bank accounts have been opened nationwide, including 40.91 lakh in Uttarakhand. Similarly, over 58.31 crore loans have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana across the country, with 36.87 lakh beneficiaries in Uttarakhand. Referring to schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, he said these initiatives have significantly improved the quality of life of citizens.

The Union Minister of State informed that more than 12.17 crore beneficiaries across the country have received health coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He also highlighted the Government’s efforts to establish 790 de-addiction centres, support old-age homes, promote financial inclusion and extend assistance to MSMEs and young entrepreneurs through various schemes. Calling upon the youth to embrace entrepreneurship, he said that the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is fully committed to strengthening the MSME sector and encouraging enterprise.

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Speaking on social justice and reservation, Shri Athawale said that reservation is a constitutional provision and opposing it goes against the spirit of the Constitution. He said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had envisioned reservation not only for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes but also for Other Backward Classes, although this could not be implemented at that time. Referring to the proposed caste census, he said it would help assess the socio-economic status of different communities and ensure better targeting of welfare schemes to eligible beneficiaries.

On women’s empowerment, Shri Athawale said that the initiative for women’s reservation would further strengthen women’s participation in democratic institutions. He expressed confidence that the delimitation process would move forward with broad political consensus.

Referring to incidents of question paper leaks, Shri Athawale said that the Government has enacted a stringent law to curb such offences and ensure strict action against those responsible. He also appealed to society to socially boycott those involved in such activities.

On the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, Shri Athawale appealed to all political parties to cooperate in ensuring its smooth functioning in the national interest. He said meaningful discussions on issues concerning public welfare are essential for a healthy democracy. He also described Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami as a good friend and appreciated the development works being carried out in the state under his leadership.