Yogi Government Plans Month-Long Celebrations Across Uttar Pradesh To Mark Ambedkar Jayanti

After deciding to introduce Ambedkar's middle name 'Ramji' in all references to him in state's official correspondence and records, the Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh is planning month-long celebrations to mark Ambedkar Jayanti from 14 April, the Indian Express has reported.

According to the report, the government is planning to use the occasion to increase awareness about welfare schemes run by the Centre and the State for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

“While details of the programmes on 14 April is still being finalised, officials have been instructed to undertake awareness programmes about the government’s welfare schemes for a month,” said Principal Secretary (Information) Avaneesh Awasthi.

The move comes amid protests by Dalits in different parts of the country against the Supreme Court’s decision to ‘dilute’ the SC/ST Act to prevent its misuse. Nine people - six in Madhya Pradesh, two in Uttar Pradesh and one in Rajasthan were killed during protests on Monday which turned violent.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also planning to organise a similar exercise.

“Our workers and senior leaders will visit villagers from April 14 to May 5 and organise events,” said BJP spokesperson Harish Srivastava.

“Ambedkar gave us the Constitution and thus, we would offer tribute to him on the day. There would be a celebration at the party headquarters… our national president Akhilesh Yadav ji would pay tribute at Ambedkar’s statue. Districts units have already been instructed to mark the day in their respective regions,” party spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary added.