Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department and Tribal Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali was felicitated by Forum for SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians of India here today for his role in raising the issues of deprived sections of the society.Zulfkar was honored at a function organized in connection with the celebration of birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar.The organization acknowledged the role of Chowdhary Zulfkar in raising the issues of Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes and Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) of Jammu & Kashmir at the appropriate forums.Speaking on the occasion, Zulfkar said the dream of Dr Ambedkar is yet to be realized as the weaker sections of the society are still fighting for justice. He said these classes are oppressed since centuries and their condition has not changed yet.
“We got independence from Britishers six decades back but nothing has changed on the ground for the oppressed classes as their living condition and social status remained unchanged”, he said.Zulfkar said a comprehensive mechanism must be adopted for the welfare of weaker sections and due share must be given to them in all sectors.Zulfkar said the weaker sections of the society must adopt quadrilateral strategy for empowerment. He said the first step of this strategy is to educate their children so that they know the ills, evils that prevent them from progressing.He said educated people of the weaker sections of the society must highlight their issues in organized manner so that each issue would be given heed and settled.