Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has approved a Rs.403 crore scheme aimed at the preservation and development of statues and memorials dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other prominent social reformers across the state. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.
The initiative, titled the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Murti Vikas Yojana, proposes the development of up to 10 memorial sites in each of the state’s 403 Vidhan Sabha constituencies. With an allocation of Rs.1 crore per constituency, the scheme sets aside approximately Rs.10 lakh for each site.
According to officials, the project will focus on upgrading existing statues installed on or before December 31, 2025. The development work will include construction of protective canopies, boundary walls, landscaping, installation of lighting systems, and addition of greenery in and around these sites. The aim is to enhance both the security and the overall environment of these public spaces.
The scheme covers statues of key historical and social figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sant Ravidas, Kabir, Jyotiba Phule, and Maharishi Valmiki, among others. These personalities are widely recognized for their contributions to social reform and justice, and the government has indicated that the initiative seeks to preserve their legacy while improving public engagement with these sites.
Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun stated that the project is intended to go beyond basic maintenance by transforming these locations into more structured and accessible public spaces. He noted that the upgraded sites could serve as community hubs and provide informational value, particularly for younger generations.
In addition to physical upgrades, the government has also announced that special programmes will be organised across all constituencies on April 14 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Public representatives, including MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, are expected to play a role in informing citizens about the scheme and identifying sites for development.
Officials further indicated that the implementation of the project may contribute to local economic activity by generating employment opportunities linked to construction, landscaping, and maintenance work in both rural and urban areas.
The announcement has sparked varied reactions online, with some initial confusion over whether the scheme involved the construction of new statues. Government representatives clarified that the focus is on upgrading and securing existing installations rather than building new ones.
The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Murti Vikas Yojana is expected to be rolled out in phases, with detailed execution plans to be coordinated at the constituency level.
