CHANDIGARH, March 14, 2008:An understanding of regional pattern of socio-economic transformation of scheduled castes have a vital role to play in
helping the state governments evolve programmes and strategies for socio-economic upliftment of this segment of the Indian population that has remained historically deprived of their rights. This is all the more important in view of the current emphasis on achieving inclusive growth and making this an agenda for the XI Plan (2007-2012).
To deliberate upon this vital issue the Department of Geography is organizing a National Seminar for two days on ‘Socio-Economic and Political transformation of Dalits and the State in India: A Geographical Appraisal’on March 17, 2008 (Monday). It will be inaugurated by KUMARI SELJA,Honorable Minister of State (Independent charge), Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Govt. of India at 11.00 a.m. at ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AUDITORIUM, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Professor R.C. Sobti,Vice Chancellor, Panjab University shall Preside over the function and Dr.P. S. Verma, former Professor of Political Science, Panjab University will deliver the keynote address. Prof. Surya Kant, Chairperson of the Department of Geography is the Convener of this seminar. Eminent scholars such as Professor Surinder S. Jodhka, JNU, New Delhi, Professor Paramjit Singh Judge, GNDU, Amritsar, Prof S.K. Sharma, HPU Shimla, Prof Sudesh Nangia JNU, New Delhi and Prof Sachidanand Sinha JNU Delhi will be presenting their papers. Other eminent speakers will represent the Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, UT. According to Professor Surya Kant, Chairperson of the Department and Convener of the Seminar.