In a significant move aimed at Dalit welfare and upholding the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a series of measures on Saturday. The announcements, made during an event in Lucknow marking the death anniversary of the Dalit icon, focus on protecting his statues and improving infrastructure in marginalized communities.
Shielding the Legacy: Walls and Umbrellas for Ambedkar Statues
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared that his government would construct boundary walls around all statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the state. He further stated that a 'chhatra' or umbrella would also be built over these statues. A majority of these statues are installed in Dalit hamlets across Uttar Pradesh.
This decision is seen as a direct response to recent incidents of statue desecration, which have sparked anger and resentment among Dalit communities. The move signals a sharp Dalit outreach by the state government and is perceived as an effort to counter opposition accusations that the BJP disrespects Ambedkar's contributions.
Infrastructure and Ideology: Roads and Welfare
Expanding on the theme of development and justice, CM Yogi announced that the Uttar Pradesh government will ensure proper road connectivity for every SC/ST village in the state. He connected this infrastructural push to the broader principles espoused by Ambedkar.
Terming Ambedkar's death anniversary as "Prerna Diwas", Yogi stated that the Modi government at the Centre and his government in the state are implementing welfare programmes in line with the Dalit icon's ideology. He listed several schemes, including the distribution of free ration, construction of houses for the poor, provision of toilets, and medical benefits, as foundations for social justice, equality, and brotherhood.
"These form the core of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas policy," he asserted, adding that the government ensures welfare for every community without discrimination.
Political Critique and Constitutional Values
In his address, the Chief Minister also took aim at political opponents. Quoting Ambedkar, he made a veiled reference to Congress leader Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar's historical actions, stating that a person who does not consider India pious despite being born and enjoying its facilities can be of "no use".
He accused parties following "communal appeasement" of harming the country and insulting Ambedkar's legacy, alleging they conspire to deprive people of basic facilities. In contrast, he positioned his government as the true upholder of the three key constitutional factors highlighted by Ambedkar: justice, equality, and brotherhood.
Yogi Adityanath also highlighted other efforts to honour Ambedkar, such as the development of 'Panch-teerth' sites associated with him and scholarships for SC students.
Wage Assurance for Grade-4 Employees
In another important announcement for marginalized workers, CM Yogi said his government would soon take a decision to ensure a minimum wage for every grade-4 employee. This includes safai-karamcharis (sanitation workers) employed on a contractual basis. He linked this initiative to his government's goal of achieving 'zero poverty'.
The comprehensive set of announcements made on Saturday underscores the Uttar Pradesh government's focused strategy to consolidate support among Dalit and backward communities by aligning its administrative actions with the symbolic and ideological legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
