The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) is an autonomous organization under the

Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a Government of India Ministry (government department), ministry. It is responsible for welfare spending, welfare, social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalised sections of soc ...

, Government of India, established to promote the principles of social justice, equality, and empowerment advocated by Dr.

B. R. Ambedkar Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Bhīmrāo Rāmjī Āmbēḍkar; 14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who chaired the committee that drafted the Constitution of India based on t ...

, a prominent social reformer and architect of the Indian Constitution. Founded on March 24, 1992, DAF focuses on uplifting marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), through educational, healthcare, and cultural initiatives. The foundation also preserves and disseminates Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy through publications, research, and commemorative events.

History

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation was established following recommendations from the Centenary Celebrations Committee, formed to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in 1991. Registered as a society under the

Societies Registration Act, 1860 The Societies Registration Act, 1860 is a legislation in British India which allows the registration of entities generally involved in the benefit of society – education, health, employment etc. The British Indian Empire, with a wish to enco ...

, DAF operates as a charitable institution with tax exemptions under Sections 12(A) and 80(G) of the

Income Tax Act, 1961 The Income Tax Act, 1961 is the charging statute of income tax in India. It provides for the levy, administration, collection, and recovery of income tax. The Government of India brought a draft statute called the Direct Taxes Code intended ...

. Fully funded by the Government of India, the foundation was created to institutionalize Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of social equity and to implement long-term programs for marginalized communities.

Objectives

The primary objectives of DAF include: * Promoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideology of social justice, equality, and empowerment. * Implementing schemes to support the socio-economic development of SCs, STs, and other marginalized groups. * Preserving and disseminating Dr. Ambedkar’s works through publications, translations, and cultural initiatives. * Encouraging research and education on issues affecting disadvantaged communities.

Key initiatives

DAF undertakes a range of programs to fulfill its mandate, focusing on healthcare, education, cultural preservation, and intellectual engagement. Below are its major initiatives:

Healthcare

The Dr. Ambedkar Medical Aid Scheme provides financial assistance for medical treatment to individuals from SCs and STs, addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

Education

* Dr. Ambedkar Chairs: DAF funds academic chairs in universities to conduct research on socio-economic issues affecting marginalized groups. As of 2025, grants for these chairs have been increased to ₹75 lakh annually, with plans to establish 31 centers across India. * Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award Scheme: Recognizes academic excellence among SC/ST students at the secondary (Class 10) and higher secondary (Class 12) levels.

Cultural and intellectual engagement

* Dr. Ambedkar International Center (DAIC): Located at 15 Janpath, New Delhi, the DAIC serves as a hub for research and includes the Dr. Ambedkar National Library. It was dedicated on December 7, 2017. * Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial: Situated at 26, Alipur Road, Delhi, this memorial was re-dedicated on April 13, 2018, and serves as a cultural and educational landmark. * Dr. Ambedkar National Essay Competition: Engages youth in exploring Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas through essay writing.

Publications

DAF publishes the magazine ''Samajik Nyay Sandesh'' (launched in 2002) to promote Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy. It also translates his collected works into Hindi and eight regional languages (Tamil, Telugu, Odiya, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, and Bengali), making them accessible to diverse audiences.

Commemorative events

DAF organizes annual events to honor Dr. Ambedkar, including his birth anniversary on April 14 and Mahaparinirwan Diwas on December 6, held at Parliament House Lawns.

Governance and funding

DAF is governed by a board comprising representatives from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and other stakeholders. As an autonomous body, it receives full funding from the Government of India, ensuring operational independence while aligning with national social welfare policies.

Societal impact

DAF plays a significant role in advancing social equity by addressing healthcare, education, and cultural needs of marginalized communities. Its medical aid scheme improves access to healthcare, while educational initiatives empower SC/ST youth. The foundation’s cultural programs, such as the DAIC and national memorial, preserve Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and foster public engagement with his ideas. Scholars note that DAF’s efforts contribute to reducing socio-economic disparities and promoting inclusivity.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, DAF faces challenges in ensuring equitable program implementation across India’s diverse regions. Limited awareness in rural areas and funding constraints for expanding initiatives are noted hurdles. Future efforts may focus on digital outreach to enhance accessibility.

References

External links

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Press Information Bureau, Government of India

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation on Instagram
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dr. Ambedkar Foundation Government agencies of India Social justice organizations 1992 establishments in India Memorials to B. R. Ambedkar