Modi government is realizing the dreams of Bhimrao Ambedkar, has done these big works so far

There was a lot of debate in the Parliament today about Dr. Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution of India. The Congress Party and its leaders said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made a wrong comment on Baba Saheb, for which he should apologize. On this matter, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing the press, said that he did not insult Baba Saheb, but the Congress has been continuously insulting Baba Saheb. But what was Baba Saheb’s vision? Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution of India, envisioned a society that promotes social and economic equality, especially for the deprived and backward classes. His vision, which was embodied in the concept of “Antyodaya”, was aimed at uplifting the poorest people and bridging the gap between the affluent and the deprived.

Various aspects of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s vision

1. Reservation: Ambedkar advocated reservation policies to ensure representation and opportunities for backward classes in education and employment. 

2. Economic Empowerment: He stressed the need for economic growth to improve the livelihoods of the poor and marginalized. 

3. Social Justice: Ambedkar’s vision stressed the importance of social justice, equality and human rights, especially for women and Dalits.

Initiative of Government of India based on the vision of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar

The Indian government has taken a number of impressive initiatives to empower Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, focusing on education, economic development, social welfare, and legal protection. These efforts aim to address historical inequalities, improve living standards, and promote inclusiveness.

1. Economic empowerment

• The government has implemented several schemes aimed at economic upliftment. For example, the Mudra Yojana and the ‘Stand Up India’ programme have enabled people from SC and ST communities to become job creators rather than job seekers. More than 50% of the beneficiaries of the Mudra Yojana are from SC, ST and OBC classes, resulting in positive changes in their lives and boosting employment.
• The National SC/ST Hub aims to enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, promote their economic empowerment and employment generation. A total of 1,34,818 SC-ST beneficiaries were assisted till 31 October 2024. Procurements worth Rs 1721.62 crore were made from 11,488 SC/ST owned MSEs in FY 2023-2024. 
• National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): It provides loan facility to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries for income-generating activities like self-employment and entrepreneurship.
• National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): It finances income-generating activities of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries living more than twice the poverty line.
• Ambedkar Young Entrepreneurs League (AYEL): IFCI Venture Capital Funds recognized 67 winners of AYEL, a contest that encourages innovative business ideas from young SC candidates. The initiative promotes entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among SC youth, in line with Ambedkar’s vision of social and economic upliftment.

2. Educational Initiatives

• Significant investments have been made in education for SC and ST communities. The budget allocation for education among these communities has increased from Rs 1,100 crore to Rs 6,000 crore. 
• The Ekalavya Model School initiative aims to build 452 new schools and renovate 211 existing schools to provide quality education to children from these communities. 
• The recent All India Survey on Higher Education shows that the proportion of students from marginalised communities—SC, ST and OBC—has outpaced the national average over the past five years. ST students saw the highest increase, rising by 41.6%; the number of students from marginalised communities grew from 52.8 lakh in 2017-18 to 66.22 lakh in 2021-22.
• National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students: The budget allocation for this scheme has increased by 13.7% from ₹145 crore in 2023-24 to ₹165 crore in 2024-25.
• The government has allowed admission to over 2,500 Scheduled Caste (SC) students in private schools through the SHRESHTA (Scheme of Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) initiative (2023).

3. Development of infrastructure

• The government has focused on developing villages with majority ST population as “model villages” with an outlay of Rs 7,300 crore. This includes improving basic amenities and infrastructure, which has a direct positive impact on the quality of life of these communities.

Achievements :

Several SC/ST model villages have reported significant improvements in education, including increased enrolment rates, improved infrastructure and better teacher training. For example, in one village in Madhya Pradesh, the literacy rate among SC/ST students increased from 30% to 70%.

4. Social justice

• The government has taken steps to highlight the contributions of freedom fighters from the SC and ST communities, which were previously ignored. This has helped foster a sense of pride and recognition among these communities.
• The Government is observing ‘Social Justice Pakhwada’ (fortnight dedicated to social justice) to mark its Foundation Day, highlighting its commitment to eliminating social inequalities and promoting social harmony.
• The government has also launched schemes like Vinaya Samarya Yojana and Ganga Kalyan Yojana to eradicate untouchability.
• Restoration and development of SC/ST Mathas and institutions: The government has provided special assistance for the restoration and development of SC/ST Mathas and institutions contributing to the social and educational fields. The move is aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of these communities.
• Restoration of SC/ST Act: After the Supreme Court dilution of the SC/ST Act in 2018, the government restored the Act in its original form in Parliament, ensuring continued protection of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from atrocities.

5. Reservation

Extension of reservation: The BJP government has extended reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in government jobs till 2030. The move ensures continued representation and opportunities for these communities in public sector employment.

• These steps have collectively contributed to the empowerment and upliftment of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, helping them integrate more fully into the mainstream society.