Kerala Congress (M) calls for institute to promote Dalit welfare

Kerala Congress (M) chairman Jose. K. Mani on Sunday called for the establishment of a Social Research Institute in the name of social reformer Ayyankali.

Speaking at the inauguration of the State Delegates Conference of Dalit Front (M), a feeder organisation of the regional party, Mr. Mani emphasised that the institute should focus on the progress of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Kerala. He said it should work on policy formulation, evaluate fund allocations by the government and local self-governing bodies for these communities and develop initiatives to ensure housing, education and employment opportunities for Dalit communities.

The conference was presided over by Dalit Front (M) State president Ushalayam Shivarajan, with Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine delivering the keynote address. Government Chief Whip N. Jayaraj and Thomas Chazhikadan were among the leaders who spoke at the event.