Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a distinguished alumnus of LSE (where he earned his M.Sc. and D.Sc. in Economics in 1916–17 and 1921–23), will now have his ideals of democracy, liberty, social justice, equality, and fraternity advanced through world-class research and scholarship at his alma mater. The Chair and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Ph.D. Scholarship will be funded through the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), Pune—an autonomous body under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra. LSE will provide 50% financial support for the scholarship, making the programme even more impactful and very collaborative. This would be first of its kind engagement for LSE in their history. 

Eminent professors from across the world will lead the Chair, fostering deep research on Dr Ambedkar’s ideas. The programme will facilitate Ph.D. admissions for students from Scheduled Castes in Maharashtra, with an average of two Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Ph.D. scholars enrolled at LSE at any given time. The first scholarships will be implemented by BARTI from the academic year 2027–28, with detailed operational guidelines to be announced shortly.

Dr. Harshdeep Kamble, a distinguished 1997-batch IAS officer embodying Ambedkar’s timeless principles of equity, dignity, and inclusion, described the development as “a matter of immense pride for the Government of Maharashtra and a historic step in taking Babasaheb’s vision to the global arena.”

This global milestone comes on the heels of Dr. Kamble’s extraordinary track record of delivering concrete, life-changing results in a remarkably short span:

Secured ₹500 crore for the People’s Education Society—founded by Dr. Ambedkar himself—to restore and modernise its historic educational institutions and hostels, thereby expanding opportunities for underserved students.

Resolved a long-pending deadlock by implementing employment provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, ensuring almost 900 government jobs for the kin of atrocity victims and delivering long-overdue justice with compassion.

Allocated ₹50 crore for the grand Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial and Museum at Shantiwan, Chincholi (near Nagpur)—a site of profound historical and spiritual significance—creating world-class exhibits, cultural centres.

Sanctioned the construction of 45 new hostels for boys and girls across Maharashtra (from Gadchiroli to Mumbai) with an allocation of nearly ₹800 crore.

Allocating Rs 60 crores for modern filtration unit at Chavdar Tank, Mahad and its beautification 

Continued close supervision of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Indu Mill Memorial in Mumbai

These initiatives, combined with today’s landmark global announcement, radiate Dr. Kamble’s visionary tenacity and unshakeable commitment to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals. Under his dynamic leadership, the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department is not only empowering millions within Maharashtra but also positioning the state—and the nation—as a beacon of social justice on the world stage.