By NNN-PTI,
New York : Espousing the cause of Dalits at a time when general elections are knocking at the door, Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan has strongly advocated mass action for final elimination of untouchability and called for “empowering the powerless”.
“Time has come to wage an unwavering struggle through all possible constitutional and democratic means and not to rest till the goal is achieved,” Paswan said at the end of three-day international conference of Dalits here yesterday.
Speakers representing various sections of the society expressed anguish at the Dalit and Minorities International Conference over “low representation” of Dalits and minorities in various walks of life in the country and made a strong demand for reservation in private sector through a legislation and quota in the sphere of judiciary.
The conference, hosted by the American Federation of Muslims of Indian Origin (AFMI), adopted a “New York Vision Document 2008” focusing on the plight of Dalits and minorities.
The document pledged to wage an unwavering struggle to achieve in a time bound manner the goals of eliminating untouchability, free and compulsory education, livelihood to ensure that the dalits lead a life of dignity and restoration of fundamental rights to Dalits and minorities.
It also demanded compensation to 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims and creation of an all India Judicial Service besides reservation in judiciary, private sector and armed forces.
Championing the Dalit cause, Paswan, who heads the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in his valedictory address spoke in favour of empowering the deprived sections through education and employment to wipe out poverty and ensure that fruits of economic progress percolate down to vulnerable segments.