Why in News?
On December 6, India observed the 69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas to honor the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a crusader for social justice.
The term Mahaparinirvan, rooted in Buddhist philosophy, signifies liberation from the cycle of life and death, marking a sacred day in Buddhism.
Dr. Ambedkar’s Advocacy for Social Justice
- Champion of the Oppressed:
- Advocated for Dalits, women, and laborers, fighting against caste-based discrimination.
- Promoted equality and social empowerment through systemic reforms.
- Empowerment Initiatives:
- Advocated reservations (Articles 15[4], 16[4], and 334) in education, jobs, and politics for marginalized communities.
- Founded Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923) to enhance education and socio-economic conditions of the oppressed.
- Voice for the Marginalized:
- Launched the newspaper Mooknayaka (Leader of the Silent) to highlight issues of the underprivileged.
- Key Movements:
- Mahad Satyagraha (1927): Demanded equal access to public water resources.
- Kalaram Temple Movement (1930): Fought for Dalits’ right to enter temples.
- Poona Pact (1932): Negotiated reserved political seats for Dalits instead of separate electorates, ensuring their representation.
Dr. Ambedkar’s Contribution to the Constitution
- Drafting Committee Chairman (1947):
- Led the drafting of the world’s largest written Constitution.
- Ensured the inclusion of provisions for equality, justice, and individual rights.
- Fundamental Rights:
- Drafted Part III, guaranteeing rights like equality before the law (Article 14), protection against discrimination (Articles 15, 17), and safeguards for minorities.
- Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies):
- Described as the “soul of the Constitution”, allowing citizens to enforce fundamental rights through the judiciary.
- Parliamentary Democracy:
- Advocated a parliamentary system to ensure accountability and social democracy.
- Federal Structure:
- Balanced powers between the Union and States to accommodate India’s diversity.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP):
- Suggested non-enforceable guidelines for a welfare state, focusing on social security, gender equality, and improved living standards.
Dr. Ambedkar’s Contributions to Nation Building
- Economic Framework:
- His research influenced the creation of the Finance Commission and policies of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- Infrastructure Development:
- Promoted projects like Damodar Valley, Hirakud Dam, and Sone River for resource management and national progress.
- Proposed the National Power Grid System to ensure energy security.
- Employment Reforms:
- Established Employment Exchanges to streamline job placement.
- Social and Economic Justice:
- Integrated social justice into governance to bridge economic disparities.
Government Tributes to Dr. Ambedkar
- Bharat Ratna (1990): Posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honor.
- Ambedkar Circuit (Panchteerth): Development of five places associated with his life:
- Mhow: Birthplace
- London (Shiksha Bhoomi): Educational landmark
- Nagpur (Deeksha Bhoomi): Conversion to Buddhism
- Mumbai (Chaitya Bhoomi): Cremation site
- Delhi (Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi): Place of death
- BHIM App: Launched for digital transactions, promoting financial inclusion.
- Dr. Ambedkar Centres of Excellence (DACE): Provides free UPSC coaching for SC students.
- Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM): Supports SC youth in startups.
- Constitution Day (November 26): Celebrated annually since 2015 to honor his role in drafting the Constitution.
Q. Which of the following parties were established by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar? (2012)
- The Peasants and Workers Party of India
- All India Scheduled Castes Federation
- The Independent Labour Party
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Comment your answer below.