Hundreds of Dalit activists who congregated here to air their grievances on Tuesday urged the Government to stop atrocities being perpetrated on Dalits by powerful people.
Representatives from different districts presented the ground situation in a State-level convention organised by the Odisha Dalit Adhikar Manch (ODAM).
The activists expressed concern over the increasing attack on Dalits and social activists. They also stated that though more than 45,000 cases of Dailit atrocities are reported in the country annually, many of them are not settled.
They also raised questions on discrimination against Dalits while providing benefits under State and Central Government schemes.
The meeting adopted a seven-point charter of resolutions which included end to atrocities on Dalits, implementation of the Odisha land Reforms Act, universalisation of education, non-privatisation of public property, measures against weakening of Constitutional institutions and democratic structures, creation of employment, enhancement of minimum wage and providing social security for the marginalised.
The meeting was chaired by ODAM convenor Manas Jena. Prominent among others who spoke were AAP State convenor Nishikant Mahapatra and ODAM advisor Madusudan Yadav. Prashant Mallick of ODAM coordinated the programme.