India can't be prosperous if people don't understand its Constitution: K'taka Minister Mahadevappa

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Karnataka Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa has said a prosperous India cannot be built if people do not understand the Constitution properly.

The minister spoke to PTI regarding the mega Constitution and National Unity Convention on Saturday, which the Karnataka government is organising at the end of a month-long statewide constitution awareness campaign covering almost all the villages.

The convention will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Palace Grounds here.

The Constitution awareness campaign was launched by the Karnataka government on January 26 to make citizens aware of their rights, responsibilities and duties to commemorate 75 years of the adoption of the Indian Constitution.

There is no meaning to the freedom if economic and social independence is not provided to the people, the minister said.

Since the objectives of the constitution have not been achieved even after 75 years of independence, economic and social inequality is visible everywhere, he pointed out.

“If we do not understand the Constitution, how will we be able to build a prosperous India? The Constitution is not limited to SC/ST reservation alone. It is only an opportunity given to the downtrodden communities to elevate themselves.”

Mahadevappa noted that the objective behind organising the was to educate people about the initiatives taken to strengthen democracy.

Expressing concern over rising communalism, he said, "Sensitive matters and faith related topics are getting prominence in politics.''