Minor Research Project
An Evaluation of Schemes under Dr. Ambedkar Foundation in the context of Mizoram
About the project

In the light of philosophy inherent in the ideas of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, various schemes yielding social as well as economic empowerment (of Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes) were conceived and continued by Dr. Ambedkar Foundations under the aegis of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. These schemes are broadly a support, against (cost intensive) Medical Ailments and Social Atrocities, promoting social cohesion by incentivizing inter-caste marriages, and instilling feeling of self-respect by promoting education of meritorious students among scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, and by financial support towards celebration/observance of birth/death anniversary of great saints among the communities of SCs and STs.

Broader idea is to minimize the social (and some economic) disadvantages and facilitate cohesion among various stratified social groups in India which were hitherto hierarchically placed on primordial lines. As it’s conceived as a supportive structure, it necessitates awareness among its stakeholders across the country. It is important to mention here that north eastern region of India has had remained aloof due to certain historical and political reasons. Therefore we see a relatively less reflection towards the gain associated with the different schemes for socialization with rest of Indian society.

Rationale:

Mizoram is one of the states with highest literacy rate (above 91 per cent), and with highest density of tribal population (95 per cent) (GoI, 2013). Therefore, it has ample potential to become a beneficiary state for various schemes announced by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation towards upliftment/cohesion of STs/SCs as a part of larger Indian society. As a matter of fact (with inputs from Dr. Ambedkar Foundation) the state is one of the major beneficiaries for the medical aid scheme in the year 2017-18. Thus, it can be assumed that the population of the state is aware towards various schemes announced. And it may be appropriate to study Mizoram as a case study to explore the effects (both in objective as well as subjective terms) of different schemes of Dr. Ambedkar Foundation. Apart from this, as a part of request from the ministry of social justice & empowerment, the study will try to investigate the status and associated aspects of medical aid scheme in the state.

Objectives:

The study will be to conducted with an aim for following objectives-

1. To comprehend the awareness for different schemes under Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
2. To check veracity of the medical aid scheme in Mizoram
3. To disseminate information about varied components of schemes toward enlargement of its horizon amongst the people (SCs/STs) of Mizoram
4. To build a critical reflection about the schemes (in terms of impact) and its extension to other states of north eastern India.

Principle Investigators: Prof. K. Kikhi & Dr. D. R. Gautam

Address:
Dr. Ambedkar Chair
Room No. 003
Humanities & Social Sciences Building
Tezpur University
Assam- 784028
Email: ambedkarchairtu@gmail.com