BANGALORE, Oct 13: The 'escalating' atrocities against Dalits in the country despite numerous rules and regulations reflect that the concept of social justice has still remained a dream, regretted, Mr Srinivasa Prasad, Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies.

"More organised and concerted efforts are the only solution to check atrocities on Dalits," he opined while participating at the silver jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Dalit Sagharsh Samithi (DSS) held here today. Mr Prasad called upon DSS activists and leaders to focus only on the well-being of Dalits and suggested them to abstain from politics. "The leaders of the organisation should never be obligated to any political party. Because, it corrupts the spirit of the struggle," he warned. Recalling the turmoil in the organisation during 1985, he said "A political decision taken at that time changed the direction and focus of DSS".

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council K H Srinivas stressed the need for the rise in education levels of Dalits towards enjoying the rights provided by the Constitution.

Legislative Council Deputy Chairman David Simeon appealed to both the Centre and State governments to fill up the existing backlog posts reserved for dalits. A book titled "Horatada Maha Prabandha" written by N Murthy was released on the occasion.

Retired chief justice Nittoor Srinivas Rao, noted eye surgeon Dr M C Modi, DSS President N Murthy and others were present.

Speaking after inaugurating a symposium on 'Ruling governments - the aim of the constitution and increased atrocities on dalits'' organised on the occasion, State Finance Commission Chairman T N Narasimha Murthy opined that there is a need to change the laws dealing with atrocities on Dalits.

"Dalits should gain political power to achieve their dream of social justice," he added. Mr Murthy also called upon the State government to constitute a special court to try the accused persons involved in the naked parading of a Dalit woman in Bellary district. Justice M Ramakrishna and Bangalore University Vice-chancellor Dr K Siddappa participated in the symposium.