'Casteism leading to corruption'

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, APRIL 7. The chairman of the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, Mr. Ram Raj, has said that casteism is responsible for the rot in the political system, leading to corruption in high places.

Talking to presspersons here today on his way to Kollam to address a rally organised by the confederation, he said the canker of casteism had seeped into the political system eroding nationalist feelings.

Referring to the alleged corruption in defence deals, he said the division of society on caste lines had led to compromise of national sovereignty.

Mr. Ram Raj said the move to privatise the Government sector was part of a conspiracy hatched by vested interests opposed to the development of the backward classes in the country. He said that privatisation of public sector units was aimed at justifying corruption and depriving the backward classes of reservation benefits.

``The World Bank, IMF and multinational companies are dictating the budget of the country. Vested interests are spreading the message that the problems faced by the country can be resolved through multi-nationals. This is humbug. The Government has liberalised imports to favour MNCs while heavy duties are imposed on exports,'' he said.

Mr. Ram Raj said the challenges faced by the country could be overcome by the spirit of nationalism. He said this would be possible only if caste system was dismantled. Mr. Ram Raj announced that the All India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations had decided to opt for Buddhism in its drive against casteism.

He announced that one million people would embrace Buddhism on October 14. This would be preceded by a nation-wide `Dhamma Vahana' rally to be launched from Delhi in April, he added.

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Section  : Southern States
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