Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (CLP)

Mangalore, Aug 22: The Dalit Sangharsha Samithi (DSS) staged a protest in front of the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) on Thursday August 21 against curbing the facilities of Dalits.

Addressing the protest, Ananda Bellare, co-convenor, district DSS, said, “There were a few facilities provided to the Dalits by the MCC, following constitutional directives. Only 22.75 percent of the funds were given for house repair, scholarships for Dalit children, health facilities, and other such causes. With the expansion of the annual budget of the MCC, there should been an increase in aid to the Dalits.”

“Instead of increasing aid, the MCC officials have curbed most of the facilities stating that it was the implementation of the state government’s directives. This has lead to desperation among many poor families of the community. Hence, we urge the commissioner of MCC to intervene and restart the curbed facilities and also provide permanent appointment to MCC workers who are serving as temporary workers.”

The land allotted for Ambedkar Bhavan near Urva Store is around 1.61 acre. The state government has released Rs 4 crore but the MCC has not shown any interest. Hence, they have demanded that the commissioner should direct the concerned officials to take care of the land and immediately start the impending work.

Later, slogans were raised stating, “We do not request but we demand what we deserve.”

DSS leaders Ramesh Kotian, Ashok Konchadi, and Nirmal Kumar were among those present at the protest.