Gulbarga (Karnataka), Jan. 7 : President Pratibha Devisingh Patil on Wednesday said there is need to have policies that promote inclusive growth.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Buddha Vihar on the outskirts of Gulbarga in Karnataka, Patil said continuous efforts should be made for the betterment of people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections of society.

Patil said the focus must be on poverty alleviation, removal of illiteracy and promotion of better health in society, especially amongst the downtrodden.

She said the right way to express respect to Dalit leader and Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who followed the principles of Lord Buddha, is to ensure social welfare and social justice to the downtrodden.

Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yeddiyurappa said that his government is committed to providing all necessary basic facilities to Buddha Vihar, which will be developed as a major spiritual tourist centre.

The monument has been built by Siddhartha Trust, which is headed by Mallikarjuna Kharge, Leader of Opposition, Karnataka Legislative Assembly.

Spread over an area of 75 acres, the monument has the main structure in which a gold-plated smiling idol of Lord Buddha has been installed. There is another idol of Buddha carved from glossy, black stone. The complex consists of a museum an auditorium, guest houses and an open-air theatre. Another feature is the group of statues at the entrance depicting Dr. B. R. Ambedkar leading his close followers to embrace Buddhism.

State Governor Ramesh Thakur and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh were also among those present on the occasion. (ANI)