Cong committed to realise Jagjivan Ram's vision: Shinde

Hyderabad, Aug 25 (UNI) The Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government was fully committed to realise the vision of Former Deputy Prime Minister Jagjivan Ram who made great contributions as a freedom fighter and social reformer for achieving social justice, Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said today.

Bapu Jagjivan Ram worked under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi for the country's freedom and holding various key portfolios he formulated government polices with a lot of foresight, Mr Shinde, who was a close disciple of the leader, recalled while delivering ''Babuji's centenary memorial lecture'' here.

Serving as Communications Minister, Mr Jagjivan Ram took the Postal Department to villages. Holding various portfolios, including food and agriculture, in the then Indira Gandhi Government, he ushered in the green revolution and self-reliance for the country in various spheres.

As the Defence Minister, he inspired the jawans in guarding the country.

He created records of sorts being a Parliamentarian from 1936 to 1986, he recalled.

Union Social Justice Minister Meira Kumar said her father dreamt of achieving an egalitarian socieity, a task which he could not completely achieve in his lifetime.

He called for achieving ''the great dreams of the great man'' for a casteless and classless society.

Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy said Bapuji would have been happy if he was alive witnessing the Congress Government's INDIRAMMA Scheme to provide houses and pension to those below the poverty line based on the saturation concept and the massive irrigation initiative undertaken to provide water to the fields of farmers.

UNI