The Maharashtra state cabinet, in its meeting on Wednesday, approved the establishment of a chair named after Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Dr Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, will be honored through this initiative, which aims to promote his ideas globally.
Funding and Scholarship Program
The state government will provide a lump sum of approximately Rs 37 crore for setting up the chair. Additionally, scholarships for doctoral studies will be offered under Dr Ambedkar's name through this chair. An official stated that the primary goal is to take Dr Ambedkar's work to an international level and create a world-class research center focusing on social justice, constitutional democracy, economic equality, and human rights based on his philosophy.
Research Focus and Activities
The chair will encourage interdisciplinary research on topics such as the Constitution and democracy, social equity, economic democracy, redistributive policies, labor rights, social protection, federalism, public finance, and inclusive governance. Key objectives include conducting advanced research in constitutional studies, social justice, and public policy, organizing annual lecture series, seminars, and academic programs, promoting academic publications and research on democracy and inclusive development, and enhancing collaboration between Indian and international researchers.
Selection Process for Chair Holder
For the first ten years, the chair holder will be selected from the existing faculty of LSE. Thereafter, recruitment will be conducted through an open international selection process. Possible departments for the chair include philosophy, sociology, international development, governance, law, and social policy.
Memorandum of Understanding
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI) and LSE to implement the scholarship program. The cabinet meeting approved the signing of this agreement, which will be followed by the final agreement and other necessary permissions.
