In a significant announcement aimed at preserving the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared that the state government will construct protective boundary walls and install canopies around all statues of the architect of the Indian Constitution across the state. The announcement was made during the 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas' programme held in Lucknow on Saturday, December 6, 2025, to mark the death anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Securing a Legacy: The Drive to Protect Ambedkar Statues
The Chief Minister's directive comes against a backdrop of past incidents where statues of Dr. Ambedkar have been vandalized by miscreants in various districts of Uttar Pradesh. CM Yogi Adityanath emphasized that the move is essential to preserve the dignity of Babasaheb's legacy. "To prevent such incidents, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to build protective boundary walls and install canopies over all statues of Babasaheb. His legacy must be preserved with dignity," the CM stated at the event in the state capital.
Welfare Push: Guaranteed Honorarium for Essential Workers
Beyond the symbolic gesture, the Chief Minister unveiled substantial welfare measures for the state's workforce. He announced that the government will ensure a guaranteed minimum honorarium for Class IV employees, contract workers, and sanitation workers within the next one to two months. Acknowledging their crucial role in running civic and government services, Adityanath said these workers deserve fair and dignified compensation.
"We have already set up a dedicated corporation. In the next month or two, the government will ensure minimum honorarium payments to all Class IV, contract, and sanitation workers," he affirmed, highlighting a concrete step towards improving their financial security.
Accelerating the 'Zero Poverty Mission' and Political Critique
CM Adityanath also provided an update on the state's ambitious 'Zero Poverty Mission', stating that its implementation is being accelerated. He revealed that the identification of poor families from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the Most Backward Classes (MBC) is nearly complete, with many already receiving ration cards, pension cards, or other benefits.
Families still lacking housing or Ayushman Bharat health coverage will be provided homes and health insurance worth Rs 5 lakh, the CM assured. During his address, Adityanath took a sharp political stance, criticizing parties that historically pursued appeasement for vote-bank politics. He called this practice detrimental to national unity and an insult to Dr. Ambedkar's ideals, referencing a historical incident involving a Congress leader.
"Babasaheb warned the nation long ago about such tendencies," Adityanath said, adding that parties driven by appeasement disrespect Ambedkar by attempting to keep people deprived of basic rights. He framed the day as one of deep inspiration, celebrating Ambedkar's journey from the grassroots to empowering Dalits and backward communities. The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the new India is honoring national icons through initiatives like 'Panchateerthas' and expanded scholarships, while his government works to connect every slum and SC/ST habitation with essential services.
