Congress leader Pl Punia, who is also chairman of National Commission for Schedule Caste (SC), criticised the Central Goverenment for "maintaining silence" on the issues concerning welfare of Dalits, including reservation in promotions and in private establishments.
"The Modi government is maintaining a studied silence in bringing a Bill on quota in promotions for which the previous UPA government had taken decisive steps," said Punia here on Thursday. He was talking to media persons just before flagging off third phase of “Bheem Jyoti Rath Yatra” taken out as part of 125th birth anniversary celebration of Dr B R Ambedkhar in the State.
The demand for quota in private sector and judiciary is also very old but the central government is silent on these as well, he said.
Charging the Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh with being anti-Dalit, Punia alleged that along with BSP and BJP SP has always tried to keep the Dalits behind in the path of progress. Claiming that people are fed up with BSP, SP and BJP, the Congress leader hoped that in the state election next year, his Party, which has been out of power for over two decades, will put up a good show.
The "Bhim Jyoti Yatra" will pass through 22 districts and will apprise the people with the works undertaken by the party for the welfare of the Dalits. The yatra carry on for 11 days and conclude on April 14 April (Ambedkar Jyanti) next month.