Hyderabad, April 13 : Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) paid rich tributes to Bharat Ratna and Architect of India Constitution Dr BR Ambedkar on his 131th birth anniversary on Thursday ( April 14). In a message here, the Chief Minister recollected the unstinted efforts put by Ambedkar for the social and economic empowerment of the backward comm ties. Ambedkar has enshrined adequate Acts and Laws in the Constitution to ensure that the rights of backward comm ties and Dalits are protected despite the change of dispensations, the CM observed. Taking inspiration from the architect of India constitution, KCR said that the Telangana Government has introduced a slew of welfare schemes for BC, SC and ST welfare by earmarking crores of rupees of funds. To empower Dalits, the Government also launched first of its kind Dalit Bandhu scheme in the country in Telangana. Under the scheme, each beneficiary will get Rs 10 lakh financial assistance with 100 per cent subsidy. KCR said that high standard Gurukulams were also opened to extend quality education and root out backwardness among the particular comm ties. He asserted that education is an important weapon to eradicate social inequalities and the empowerment of poor comm ties. Under Ambedkar Overseas Vidhya Nidhi, the chief minister said that the state Government is also offering Rs 20 lakh scholarship to those who dreamt of pursuing higher studies in the reputed institutions in foreign countries. He said the welfare and development programmes launched for SC and ST comm ties are drawing fruitful results as their living standards have improved and they are leading a respectable life in the society. VV RKM