Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has launched a sharp criticism against the central government following reports of the closure of the Dr BR Ambedkar chair at Rajasthan University. He termed the development as "extremely unfortunate" and indicative of negligence towards the ideals of social justice and the legacy of the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Gehlot's Strong Condemnation on Social Media
In a post on the social media platform X this Saturday, Ashok Gehlot expressed his dismay over the situation. He highlighted the apparent lack of awareness within the university administration itself regarding the chair's shutdown. The chair is named after Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Gehlot wrote that such an oversight within an educational institution was completely inexcusable. He stated that the closure of a chair established in Babasaheb Ambedkar's name inside a "temple of education," with the administration being unaware, is deeply regrettable. He asserted that this act shows indifference towards social justice and disrespect for great leaders. The former CM urged both the Centre and the state government to take immediate notice of the matter.
What Led to the Closure of the Ambedkar Chair?
According to sources familiar with the issue, the primary reason behind the chair becoming non-functional appears to be a lapse in administrative procedure. The Ambedkar chair reportedly did not receive any funding for nearly two years. This financial drought occurred because the university authorities failed to submit the necessary proposals required to continue receiving financial support from the government.
As a direct consequence of this funding stoppage, all academic and research activities conducted under the auspices of the chair gradually ground to a complete halt. The chair was originally established with a noble vision: to promote teaching, advanced research, and meaningful dialogue on Babasaheb Ambedkar's extensive work and ideas.
The Core Mission and the Current Setback
The central mission of the Dr BR Ambedkar chair was to focus on critical themes like social justice, constitutional values, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach the very last person in society. Its closure represents a significant setback for scholarly work in these vital areas within the state's premier university.
This incident has sparked a debate on the commitment to preserving and promoting the constitutional ideals championed by Dr Ambedkar. The call for intervention from higher authorities underscores the need for urgent corrective measures to revive this important academic position and its associated work.
