Ambedkar Overseas Edu To Be Reintroduced: Naidu

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu affirmed that Dr BR Ambedkar was a true warrior who fought tirelessly for Dalits and that the coalition government is committed to their upliftment and welfare, inspired by his ideals.

He announced the reintroduction of the Ambedkar Overseas Education Scheme, enabling SC students to pursue education abroad once again.

He emphasised that more residential schools would be set up to ensure quality education for SC children.

The Chief Minister stated that the previous rulers deliberately destroyed Amaravati, but with the blessings of the people, the city will be rebuilt into one of the greatest in the world. He made these remarks during the Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations held at Ponnekallu in the Tadikonda constituency.

He said born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Maharashtra, Dr Ambedkar challenged deep-rooted discrimination, untouchability, and social injustice. He fought relentlessly for Dalit rights, securing water rights in 1927 and leading Dalits into the Kalaram Temple in 1930.

Post-independence, he played a key role in the first cabinet and enshrined social justice, equality, and fundamental rights in the Constitution, which he considered a sacred text. Ambedkar was not a representative of any single group; he belonged to everyone. Speaking on Dalit welfare through TDP, he said since its inception, the TDP has prioritised Dalit welfare.

In 2002, the ‘Mundagudu’ initiative was launched, along with study centers for SC/ST students.

Through the Ambedkar Overseas Education Scheme, the party has helped economically disadvantaged students study abroad. SC/ST students received up to Rs15 lakh in aid, while BC, EBC, Kapu, and minority students received Rs.10 lakh.

Around 7,000 students have been benefited, with Rs.467 crore spent overall. Between 2014–2019, 619 SC and 55 ST students were supported with Rs.50 crore. The previous government only aided 430 students.