The state government has initiated a project named the “Dr B R Ambedkar Murti Vikas Yojana,” with a budget of Rs 403 crores, aimed at enhancing, developing, and maintaining statues of Dr. B R Ambedkar across all 403 Assembly constituencies. The Cabinet approved the plan on Tuesday, which allocates Rs 1 crore to each constituency for the establishment of 10 statues as part of this initiative.
This announcement follows Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent decision to install protective canopies over Ambedkar and other significant statues throughout the state. Additionally, directives have been issued to promote this initiative on April 14, coinciding with Ambedkar Jayanti, in each constituency, ensuring the presence of local public representatives.
Officials indicated that the program will extend to statues of notable social reformers, including Sant Ravidas, Kabir Das, Jyotiba Phule, and Maharishi Valmiki, located in public areas such as government properties, urban local bodies, and panchayat regions. “This initiative aims to honor Ambedkar and other figures who contributed to social justice and reform,” they noted, highlighting its potential to enhance public spaces where these statues are situated.
The project will encompass various activities, including the installation of protective canopies, construction of boundary walls, and improvements in landscaping and lighting to ensure the security and maintenance of these locations. Each statue will have a funding limit of Rs 10 lakh. Officials also mentioned that standardized design guidelines would be established, while accommodating local artistic and architectural styles.
In its initial phase, the scheme will cover statues erected until December 31, 2025. Minister Asim Arun stated, “The path of development is continuous,” stressing that this effort is part of ongoing initiatives to honor icons of social justice.
When questioned about the potential political implications of the initiative ahead of the elections, Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna emphasized that elections are an ongoing process and should not be conflated with development initiatives. He also conveyed that the Chief Minister has instructed the organization of special events on Ambedkar Jayanti across all Assembly constituencies, with local representatives participating to inform the public about the scheme, selected sites, and planned development efforts.
Minister Arun criticized the previous Samajwadi Party administration, asserting that the icons now being honored were previously disrespected, with changes made to the names of districts, medical colleges, universities, and other institutions named after them. He asserted that their government is committed to honoring all advocates of social justice.
On Monday, The Indian Express reported that the announcement regarding the installation of canopies forms part of a larger political strategy by the BJP to emphasize its commitment to figures associated with Dalit empowerment and social justice. The party is set to launch a series of initiatives from April 6 to April 14, aimed at reinforcing its narrative of honoring “mahapurush” across various communities.
Maulshree Seth serves as an Assistant Editor for The Indian Express in Lucknow, bringing over 15 years of experience in mainstream journalism to her role. She has earned a strong reputation for her on-the-ground reporting throughout Uttar Pradesh, covering a wide array of critical topics, including state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Her reporting style is distinguished by depth and historical insight. She has established herself as a credible voice on the intersection of law and politics in Northern India, particularly through her coverage of significant state elections and landmark judicial decisions. Frequently recognized for her access to primary sources and her nuanced understanding of socio-economic dynamics, she ensures her audience receives a truthful and comprehensive perspective on events through rigorous fact-checking and a commitment to unbiased reporting.
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