The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, established to promote the principles of social justice, equality, and empowerment advocated by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, 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.
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, DAF operates as a charitable institution with tax exemptions under Sections 12(A) and 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 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.[1][2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award Scheme: Recognizes academic excellence among SC/ST students at the secondary (Class 10) and higher secondary (Class 12) levels.[6]
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.[7]
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.[8]
Dr. Ambedkar National Essay Competition: Engages youth in exploring Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas through essay writing.[9]
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.[10][11]
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.[12]
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.[13]
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.[14]
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.[15]
↑ Singh, R. K. (2023). "Empowering Marginalized Youth: DAF's Educational Initiatives". Indian Journal of Social Work. 84 (2): 123–135. doi:10.32444/IJSW.2023.84.2.123 (inactive 1 July 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)
↑ Kumar, Rajesh (2019). Autonomous Bodies in India: Structure and Function. Oxford University Press. pp.112–118. ISBN978-01-99485-23-6.{{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
↑ Gupta, Anjali (2024). "Dr. Ambedkar Foundation's Role in Social Equity". Social Justice Review. 29 (4): 78–92. doi:10.1007/s11211-024-00345-2 (inactive 1 July 2025).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)
↑ Mehta, Priya (2023). Challenges in Social Welfare Implementation. Routledge. pp.145–150. ISBN978-10-32245-89-7.{{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
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