Early Times Report
LEH, July 6: Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Shri Ramdas Athawale, addressed a press briefing in Leh today, underscoring the Government of India's steadfast commitment to inclusive growth, social justice and the holistic development of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The Minister highlighted the Centre's continued focus on empowering marginalised communities through effective implementation of welfare programmes, strengthening social security and ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all. Reflecting on his political journey, Shri Athawale stated that he is the National President of the Republican Party of India (Athawale), a party guided by the ideals and constitutional vision of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. He recalled that his party joined the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2011 and has remained a committed alliance partner since then. He further informed that he was first elected to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra in 2014 and has been serving as the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment since 2016 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Recently re-elected to the Rajya Sabha for a third consecutive term in 2026, Shri Athawale said he remains committed to serving the nation with renewed dedication. He remarked that he aspires to continue contributing to nation-building for many more years and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the principles of equality, dignity and social justice envisioned by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. The Minister stated that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has placed unprecedented emphasis on inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of governance reach the poorest and most vulnerable sections of society. |
