Many deprived sections unaware of rights, govt initiatives: Prez

New Delhi, Dec 2: Asserting that many people of the deprived sections are not aware of their rights and government's initiatives for their welfare, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said it is the responsibility of the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians to make them aware about their rights and government's initiatives.

"It is also the responsibility of them to take forward the people of scheduled castes and tribes who have been left behind by them in the developmental journey. By this way they can pay their true tributes to Dr Ambedkar," the President said while inaugurating the fifth International Ambedkar Conclave, being organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians and Dr. Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce here.

As per a communique from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President was also happy to note that this conclave focuses on education, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development along with issue of constitutional rights.

Appreciating the Forum, Kovind said it is constantly highlighting issues of social and economic justice and playing an important role in spreading the thoughts and ideas of Dr. Ambedkar.

The President said that Babasaheb was in favour of awakening the moral conscience of the society.

"Babasaheb used to say that rights cannot be protected only by laws, but it is also necessary to have moral and social consciousness in the society. He always emphasised on non-violent and constitutional means," Kovind said.

The President said that in our Constitution, many provisions have been made to protect the interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Article 46 of the Constitution directs that the state shall develop the educational and economic interests of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes with special care. Also, in this article, the State has been directed to protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation.

"A number of institutions and procedures have been put in place to give effect to these guidelines. There has been lot of improvements. But, a lot remains to be done by our country and society," he said.