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Dalit bodies want SC/ST Act restored through ordinance

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New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) A number of Dalit organisations on Thursday asked the Narendra Modi government to “restore” through an ordinance the SC/ST Act that has been “diluted” by a Supreme Court order and withdrawal of cases filed against Dalit activists during the countrywide shutdown on April 2.

Addressing a press conference here, they also announced to observe April 14 — the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar — as “Protect Constitution” day across the country.

Those addressing the press meet included Ashok Bharti, advisor to the National Confederation of Dalit and Adivasi Organisations; Ramesh Nathan of National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights; Anand Rao of All India Dalit Rights Federation; Srinivasa Rao of Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch; and Nirmal of Bharat Khet Mazdoor Union.

“The government must bring an ordinance to protect the sanctity of the SC/ST Act. Also, the cases against the Dalit activists who were implicated during the Bharat Bandh on April 2 must be withdrawn,” said Bharti.

Accusing the Narendra Modi government of not being “honest” vis-a-vis Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Dalit leaders said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government could not use the past Congress governments’ inaction or deliberate unwillingness to give the Dalits their due as an alibi to deny them their rights now.

The Supreme Court in an order on March 20 said that an accused cannot be mandatorily arrested under the Scheduled Castes and Schedules Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act without an initial probe. The Dalit organisations and various civil society groups see it as “dilution” of the Act and accuse the Modi government of conniving in the case.

“Our Prime Minister claims that he comes from a backward class. Our request to him is that being from the backward background, he should do justice to the backwards. Let’s give 52 per cent reservation to the backwards through a legislation,” Bharti said.

The Dalit leaders also demanded putting the Scheduled Castes and Schedules Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, under the Schedule IX of the Constitution.

They asked the Modi government to fulfil their demands before August 15 — Independence Day — this year.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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