Centre asks schools, varsities to observe November 26 as Constitution Day

"To celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner, a national committee was constituted under the PM, which has recommended that the following activities be undertaken in your esteemed university," read the University Grants Commission (UGC) circular issued to universities on September 23. The circular also directed the varsities to submit an action taken report to UGC by October 15.

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• A file photo of Dr BR Ambedkar with his wife Dr Sharada Kabir

The central government has directed schools, colleges and universities across India to celebrate November 26 as the Constitution Day every year to spread awareness about the Constitution among youths. India's constitution was adopted by the constituent assembly on November 26, 1949, and it came into force on January 26, 1950.
On the Constitution Day, educational institutions will ensure that the document's preamble is read on their campuses and will also organise seminars on the topic. A national committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the decision in this regard. The move aims at honouring Dr BR Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.
"To celebrate the occasion in a befitting manner, a national committee was constituted under the PM, which has recommended that the following activities be undertaken in your esteemed university," read the University Grants Commission (UGC) circular issued to universities on September 23. The circular also directed the varsities to submit an action taken report to UGC by October 15.
According to the sources, The BJP-led central government has been working hard to appropriate the legacy of Ambedkar, with an eye on the Dalit vote bank ahead of the crucial UP and Bihar Assembly polls. The Dalits in the two states have largely been supporting regional parties, which are in power at present, and the Congress.
Congress is trying its best to not lose any ground. In June, the party had organised a big event in Ambekdar's birthplace Mhow (MP) to celebrate the centenary of his post-graduation from the Columbia University. Party's national vice-president Rahul Gandhi had turned it into a major event – as a milestone in India's history – a move that surprised many. The party also launched a career guidance centre in the name of the noted leader in Mumbai recently.
SC/ST students may be encouraged to study at private varsities
Admission of students belonging to SC/ST in private universities may be encouraged, says the circular citing committee's recommendation. The decision, however, has raised many eyebrows. "Is the Union government implying that private universities are better than the Central and state Universities?" asked a professor of Mumbai University. Another professor commented, "The government reimburses the fee of SC/ST students in the state-run and Centrally funded institutions. Is the government going to reimburse the fee for private universities also, which charge a hefty amount?