Hyderabad: Telangana Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar on Saturday said the CDS Dalit empowerment centre at Borabanda had emerged as a key platform for the holistic empowerment of Dalits.
He visited the centre along with Naveen Yadav and Seen Reddy. During the visit, they reviewed infrastructure and activities in detail.
Mallepalli Lakshmaiah briefed the Minister on the construction of the building, facilities and ongoing programmes. Subsequently, the Minister inspected parking areas, a common hall, dining hall, administrative offices and digital classrooms.
He also examined digital and physical libraries, media rooms and trainees’ accommodation. In addition, he visited the auditorium and the Dalit museum within the CDS Dalit empowerment centre.
CDS Dalit empowerment centre proposals reviewed
Explaining the institution’s 26-year work, Mallepalli Lakshmaiah outlined its role in research, training and awareness programmes. He said the centre had contributed to policy advocacy for Dalits and other marginalised communities.
Retired IAS officer Kaki Madhava Rao, Professor Limbadri, senior journalist Ramachandra Murthy and Tipparti Yadaiah also shared their views.
A set of proposals sought government support for key initiatives at the CDS Dalit empowerment centre. These included skill development for Dalit youth and employment generation programmes. Moreover, the proposals covered coaching for UPSC and TGPSC examinations and monitoring of SC/ST Sub-Plan funds.
They also included protection of land rights, socio-economic research and leadership programmes for women and youth. In addition, proposals covered development of the Dalit museum, digitisation of Dalit literature and creation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Advanced Archives.
Officials sought an endowment fund of ₹15 crore to implement these programmes. The Minister appreciated the institution’s work and described it as a comprehensive platform for empowerment.
He said the centre’s infrastructure and research capacity could support government initiatives. Therefore, he assured positive consideration of the proposals and said he would take personal initiative to move them forward.
The Minister said he would convene a meeting with Bhatti Vikramarka, Damodar Rajanarasimha and officials to discuss support measures. He added that, if required, he would take up the matter with A. Revanth Reddy.
He further said the CDS Dalit empowerment centre could be developed as a nodal institution for training and research activities with full government support.