Bringing the voiceless, deprived classes to the social mainstream is our objective. BJP has taught us that, everyone has a right to lead a dignified life. We have adopted the same in our programmes, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.

He was speaking at an interactive programme organised by BJP as part of the birth anniversary of Jyothiba Phule on Monday evening in Udupi.

Many programmes have been drawn to bring equality in India over the years. But they have not been implemented effectively. Our government has formulated action plans to deliver on our promises. For effective implementation of Ganga Kalyana programme Rs200 cr has been provided in the supplementary budget. Community halls are being built in 208 villages, Bommai said.

There is shortage of student hostels for backward classes in Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Dharwad and Kalaburagi districts. In the name of Deendayal Upadhyaya grants have been provided for construction of one hostel for every 1000 students. Programmes have been formulated for education and economic empowerment of backward classes, Bommai said.

Referring to the celebration of Jyothiba Phule’s birth anniversary, Bommai said, while many outfits take the name of Phule, the BJP tries to implement the ideals of Phule through schemes for education of girls and eradication of untouchability. It has been decided to honour good teachers by presenting them with the Jyothiba Phule award from this year, Bommai said.

The BJP government is working with the principle of all pervasive and all inclusive development cutting across the barriers of caste and religion, he said.

No Prime Minister in the past had the confidence to assure tapped water supply to every household in the country. As it was a herculean task. But our Prime Minister Modi has taken it up as a challenge. Major programmes have been drawn up to provide tapped water to all households and housing for all. The Centre and State governments together are working together to make them a success, Bommai said.