Arvind Kejriwal Unveils 'Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship' for Dalit Students Studying Abroad
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Arvind Kejriwal announces the 'Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship'.
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Scholarship covers full educational and living expenses for Dalit students studying abroad.
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Scheme includes children of government employees from the Dalit community.
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Announcement made amidst political controversy over remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
New Delhi, December 21, 2024 - In a significant move ahead of the Delhi assembly elections, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has announced the launch of the 'Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship'. This initiative aims to empower students from the Dalit community by funding their education in foreign universities. The announcement was made at a public event, highlighting AAP's commitment to social justice and the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Under this scholarship scheme, the Delhi government will bear the entire cost of education, including tuition fees, travel, and accommodation for Dalit students who secure admission in universities abroad. This initiative is not only limited to students but also extends to the children of government employees from the Dalit community, ensuring a broader reach.
Breaking!🚨
— Veena Jain (@DrJain21) December 21, 2024
Arvind Kejriwal announces ' Dr Ambedkar Scholarship' for Students from the Dalit Community
Govt of Delhi will bear the cost of education & living of Dalit students who study abroad. #ArvindKejriwal #AAP pic.twitter.com/j2Np176brp
Kejriwal's announcement comes in the wake of a political uproar over remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament, which were perceived by many, including Kejriwal, as disrespectful to Dr. Ambedkar. The AAP leader condemned these comments, stating that they deeply hurt millions who revere Ambedkar's contributions to Indian society. Kejriwal positioned the scholarship as a direct response to what he described as an insult to Ambedkar's legacy, aiming to honor the Dalit icon's vision of educational empowerment.
"Education is the path to progress, and no Dalit student should abandon their dream of studying abroad due to financial constraints," Kejriwal stated during the announcement. He drew parallels with Ambedkar's own educational journey, where financial hurdles were overcome through sheer determination and scholarship support, underscoring the significance of this new initiative.
The scholarship has sparked a mix of reactions. While many from the Dalit community and educational sectors have welcomed the move, opposition parties have questioned the feasibility of such promises, especially with the elections looming. Critics have called for detailed implementation plans and transparency in how the scholarships will be awarded.
The introduction of the 'Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship' also aligns with AAP's broader educational policies in Delhi, where the party has previously focused on improving school infrastructure and providing free education up to class 12. This new scholarship not only aims at internal educational reform but also extends support to international academic opportunities for the marginalized sections of society.
As Delhi gears up for the assembly elections, this scholarship could play a pivotal role in shaping voter perceptions, emphasizing AAP's focus on social welfare and education amidst ongoing political debates.