‘Phule struggled for equality in society’

HRD Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao remembered Jyotiba Phule as a great social reformer on the latter’s 192nd birth anniversary here on Wednesday.

Garlanding a statue of Jyotiba Phule at Green Park Junction, the Minister said that the social reformer had fought against caste discrimination, paving the way for the welfare of the weaker sections.

Later, Mr. Ganta and in-charge Collector G. Srijana took part in a programme organised to mark the occasion at the Zilla Parishad. In memory of Phule’s wife Savitribai, the State Government is giving awards to the best women teachers, he said.

Besides implementing the BC Sub-plan, a financial assistance of ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 will be given to the poor families as part of the ‘Chandranna Pelli Kanuka’,’ and assistance for implements will be extended to help artisans and others pursue various trades, he said.

Priority

ZP Chairperson Lalam Bhavani said following in the footsteps of Phule, the State Government was giving education sector a top priority.

In-charge Collector G. Srijana spoke on how Phule worked for equal rights through the ‘Satyashodhak Samaj’. Assets worth ₹12 lakh were distributed to beneficiaries on the occasion. Students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, Sabbavaram, presented cultural programmes.

Joint Collector-II A. Siri, Executive Dirctors of B. C. and S. C. Corporations Gitadevi and Mahalakshmi and B.C. Welfare and and leaders of BC Associations participated in the programme.