'Govt committed to welfare of underprivileged': TN Governor

Chennai, Dec 13 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala today said India is a welfare state, committed to the welfare and development of the people in general and of the underprivileged in particular.

In his address at the inauguration of the 'Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Harijan Sevak Sangh' of Tamil Nadu branch here, he said education leads to development of an individual and the society.

The state and the Centre had been providing all necessary assistance for education of the poor, especially for the Harijans by means of scholarships, books, note books and free hostel, he said.

He said the mission of the government was to take care of the underprivileged and bring about a sea change in their lives.

Voluntary organisations like Harijan Sevak Sangh had been doing laudable service of the upliftment of Harijans and the underprivilaged, Mr Barnal added.

''Voluntary organisations should ensure that there are no school dropouts and create an awareness on the importance of education among the parents and the children of the underprivileged in particluar'', he said, adding that these organisations should also take it as their onerous responsibility in building in the hearts of the youth, the sprit of oneness, harmony and brotherhood.

UNI