Published: 06th December 2017
BR Ambedkar Diwas: Four revolutionary reforms by Ambedkar that deserve a comeback
Ambedkar's policies were pathbreaking but over the decades his ideas have been forgotten and buried, but many still continue to have the potential to make drastic changes to the system
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He changed many lives but the value for his ideas have fallen rapidly today
Caste-based discrimination? Is it still prevalent in new India? From Muthukrishnan Jeevanantham to NEET Anitha, everyone had their own tales of discrimination leading to suicide, isn't it? If you can't remember those social reforms that were made by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, look back because it's time for the government to brush up on them
Hindu code bill
The Hindu code was brought into existence by Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1950s. It was revised by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar in 1948 and was referred to a select committee under the chairmanship of law minister B. R. Ambedkar. The committee made a number of important changes to the Bill, including making the laws applicable to even non-Hindus. According to this bill, portions of inheritance to daughters, while giving widows complete property rights. This had been previously been restricted. The Bill basically put forth gender equality in laws of inheritance and marriage
Poona Pact
Under this pact, the British announced separate electorates for the depressed Classes. Gandhi opposed the concept of separate electorate for untouchables saying that it would divide the Hindu community. Following fierce opposition, BR Ambedkar along with his supporters signed the Poona Pact agreement. According to this, the Scheduled caste got reservation of 140 seats instead of 71 seats in the legislature
Industrialisation and Agriculture
Being the first Indian to hold an economics degree abroad, Ambedkar stressed that agriculture and industrialisation would enhance the Indian economy. Considering agriculture to be India's primary industry, he wanted the government to invest more in that sector. According to Sharad Pawar, Ambedkar's vision helped the government to achieve food security goals.
Contribution to the Constitution text
Ambedkar in his ideas for the constitution of India concentrates on civil liberties of individual citizen including freedom of religion, the abolition of untouchability, insisting on economic and social right for women, avoiding all forms of discrimination. He also won the Assembly's support to introduce the system of reservation in civil services jobs, schools and colleges for people from backward classes.