Delivering Dr. Ambedkar’s Vision for a New India, Eleven Years of Social Justice and Empowerment
“We, the People of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and to secure to all its citizens: Justice – social, economic and political; Liberty; Equality; and to promote Fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation…” The vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar continues to guide our nation. The Preamble of our Constitution is not merely a statement of ideals; it is a living promise of justice, equality, and dignity for every citizen.
Over the past eleven years, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has worked with dedication to translate this constitutional vision into real and measurable progress. On the occasion of our continued commitment to social justice, it is worth examining the remarkable progress made and the challenges that remain in building an inclusive India where every citizen lives with dignity, equal opportunity, and security.
NAMASTE: Restoring Dignity to Sanitation Workers
One of the most transformative initiatives is the National Action Programme on Human Rights (NAMASTE). Launched jointly with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, this scheme is eliminating hazardous sanitation work and promoting mechanical cleaning. Over 89,000 sanitation workers have been validated, more than 85,000 provided PPE kits, and over 74,000 issued Ayushman Cards. Nearly three lakh waste pickers have been profiled.
NAMASTE reflects a strong resolve to ensure safety, dignity, and respect for sanitation workers. For generations, manual scavenging and hazardous sanitation work have been among the most degrading occupations, passed down through caste lines and trapping families in cycles of poverty and stigma. By replacing hazardous practices with mechanised solutions, the government is not just modernising sanitation; it is restoring dignity to labour.
The transformation we are witnessing today is not only technological but deeply human. As Dr. Ambedkar reminded us, “Dignity is not a privilege; it is a birthright.” NAMASTE is a decisive step toward realizing that ideal, ensuring that those who keep our cities clean are themselves treated with the respect they deserve.
Education: The Great Equalizer
Education remains the most powerful tool for empowerment. As Dr. Ambedkar profoundly stated, “Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.” Guided by this vision, the Ministry has consistently worked to expand educational opportunities for marginalized communities.
Under SHREYAS for OBC students, more than ₹640 crore has been released for National Fellowships, benefiting over 14,000 scholars. The Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme has supported over 29,000 students pursuing higher education abroad, opening doors to global opportunities that were once the preserve of elite castes.
For Scheduled Castes, the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme has benefited over 5.65 crore students with assistance of more than ₹40,000 crore. The sheer scale of this intervention is staggering—tens of millions of young people enabled to continue their education, to dream bigger, to break the chains of inherited disadvantage.
The Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme has supported over 2.72 crore students, catching them early before the cycle of poverty can pull them out of school. Through PM-YASASVI, the government has strengthened support for OBC, EBC, and DNT students with scholarships and hostel facilities across the country.
The focus has also been on improving quality education through SHRESHTA, which has supported nearly 3.48 lakh SC students with central assistance of over ₹648 crore. Under PM-AJAY, more than 15,000 villages have been developed as Adarsh Grams, and lakhs of beneficiaries have received financial support and hostel facilities.
Skill Development: Empowering Through Capability
Skill development is another pillar of empowerment. Under PM-DAKSH, more than 1.87 lakh candidates from SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, and Safai Karamchari communities have been trained. The scheme has now been merged with PMKVY to expand its reach further, recognizing that in a rapidly changing economy, the ability to acquire new skills is essential to upward mobility.
Education without employability is incomplete. By linking skill development to the needs of the market, the government is ensuring that young people from marginalized communities are not just educated but employable, not just qualified but competitive.
Protecting Rights, Preventing Atrocities
The Ministry remains firmly committed to protecting the rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Amendments to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have strengthened legal safeguards, making it harder for perpetrators to escape justice.
Since 2014, over ₹4,947 crore has been released to support more than 8 lakh atrocity victims and provide incentives for over 2.57 lakh inter-caste marriages. The national helpline against atrocities (14566) ensures awareness and timely assistance, providing a lifeline for those facing violence and discrimination.
Inter-caste marriage incentives are particularly significant. When a Brahmin marries a Dalit, they are not just forming a union; they are breaking the most fundamental barrier that caste erects. Each such marriage is a blow to the ideology of purity and pollution, a step toward the annihilation of caste that Ambedkar envisioned.
Addressing Drug Abuse: A National Priority
Addressing drug abuse has been a national priority, as substance dependence threatens not only individual health but also family stability and social harmony. Through the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and the Nasha Mukti Bharat Abhiyaan, the government has adopted a whole-of-society approach—combining awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
NMBA has evolved into one of the world’s largest community-driven movements against substance abuse, engaging youth, educational institutions, community leaders, and civil society organizations. Awareness campaigns, pledge drives, campus engagements, and grassroots outreach have helped transform public perception—encouraging people to view addiction as a health issue requiring care and support rather than stigma.
The national helpline 14446 continues to serve as a lifeline for individuals and families seeking confidential counselling and professional assistance. The vision is clear: a healthier, more aware, and resilient India where every young person can pursue their aspirations free from the shadow of addiction.
Support for Senior Citizens and Transgender Persons
Efforts extend to senior citizens through the Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana. More than 10 lakh elderly persons have been supported, and over 7.8 lakh beneficiaries have received assistive devices under Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana. The Elderline 14567 provides emotional and legal support nationwide, recognizing that dignity in old age is a mark of a civilized society.
Through the SMILE scheme, the government is promoting the welfare of transgender persons with shelter homes, skill training, and healthcare convergence under Ayushman Bharat. More than 31,000 transgender identity certificates have been issued through the national portal, providing recognition and access to services that were long denied.
Caring for COVID-Affected Children
Special care has also been extended to children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic under the PM CARES for Children initiative, ensuring uninterrupted education through scholarships. The pandemic disrupted lives disproportionately, and those who lost parents were left most vulnerable. This scheme ensures that their education continues, that their future is not destroyed by tragedy.
Conclusion: A Living Promise
These achievements are not merely statistics—they represent transformed lives and renewed hope. The mission remains guided by the Constitution’s promise of equality and dignity for all. The work continues to ensure that social justice reaches every doorstep, leaving no one behind.
As we move forward, the commitment remains unwavering—to build a society anchored in equality, guided by justice, and inspired by humanity. The path ahead calls for continued innovation, sensitivity, and determination, but with the strength of our constitutional values, we are confident of creating an India where progress is shared and dignity is universal.
“Life should be great rather than long,” said Dr. Ambedkar. Guided by his ideals, the Ministry will continue working to ensure that every Indian lives a life of dignity, equality and opportunity.
Q&A: Unpacking Social Justice Initiatives
Q1: What is NAMASTE and how does it address sanitation worker dignity?
NAMASTE (National Action Programme on Human Rights) is a scheme eliminating hazardous sanitation work by promoting mechanical cleaning. Over 89,000 sanitation workers have been validated, 85,000+ provided PPE kits, and 74,000+ issued Ayushman Cards. Nearly 3 lakh waste pickers have been profiled. The scheme reflects the resolve to ensure safety, dignity, and respect for sanitation workers, replacing degrading manual practices with mechanised solutions.
Q2: What educational scholarships are available for marginalized communities?
Key schemes include: SHREYAS (₹640+ crore for OBC National Fellowships, benefiting 14,000+ scholars); Dr. Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme (29,000+ students for higher education abroad); Post Matric Scholarship for SC students (5.65+ crore students, ₹40,000+ crore); Pre-Matric Scholarship (2.72+ crore students); PM-YASASVI for OBC/EBC/DNT students; SHRESHTA (3.48 lakh SC students); and PM-AJAY (15,000+ Adarsh Gram villages developed).
Q3: How is the government addressing drug abuse?
Through the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction and Nasha Mukti Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA), a whole-of-society approach combines awareness, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. NMBA has become one of the world’s largest community-driven movements against substance abuse, engaging youth, institutions, and community leaders. Helpline 14446 provides confidential counselling and professional assistance.
Q4: What protections exist for SC/ST communities against atrocities?
Amendments to the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have strengthened legal safeguards. Since 2014, over ₹4,947 crore has been released to support 8+ lakh atrocity victims and provide incentives for 2.57+ lakh inter-caste marriages. The National Helpline Against Atrocities (14566) ensures awareness and timely assistance. Inter-caste marriage incentives are particularly significant for breaking caste barriers.
Q5: What support is available for senior citizens and transgender persons?
Senior citizens are supported through Atal Vayo Abhyudaya Yojana (10+ lakh elderly), Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (7.8+ lakh assistive devices), and Elderline 14567 for emotional and legal support. Transgender persons are supported through the SMILE scheme with shelter homes, skill training, and healthcare convergence under Ayushman Bharat. Over 31,000 transgender identity certificates have been issued through the national portal.
