Hemchand Yadav University (HYU), Durg, has achieved a significant national milestone. Dr Ambedkar Foundation, operating under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a Dr Ambedkar Chair (research chair) at Hemchand Yadav University in Durg. With this, it has become the first higher education institution in Chhattisgarh and the 25th in the country to achieve this milestone. Manoj Tiwari, the National Director of the Foundation, conveyed this information via a letter to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sanjay Tiwari. The objective of the Dr Ambedkar Chair Scheme (revised 2021-22) is to promote high-level teaching, research, policy studies, and public awareness activities based on Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s ideas regarding social justice, equality, constitutional values, and inclusive development. The key benefits associated with the Chair include, a one-time grant of Rs 10 lakh for establishment. An annual academic grant of Rs 20 lakh. An annual grant of Rs 55 lakh for salary and staff. An additional research grant of up to Rs 1 crore on a competitive basis.

 

A regular annual allocation of Rs 75 lakh from the Government of India. One Chair Professor position under UGC Level-14 (for a 5-year term). One Assistant Professor position under UGC Level-10 (for a 5-year term). Two doctoral fellowships, each carrying a stipend of Rs 35,000 per month plus HRA as per rules. It is noteworthy that the establishment of the Dr Ambedkar Chair will provide a new direction to research publications, national seminars, workshops, public awareness programs, field-based research, and PhD programmes at the university. It will foster excellence in academic activities concerning social justice, inclusive growth, constitutional studies, and the upliftment of marginalised sections of society. On this historic achievement, Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Sanjay Tiwari stated that this achievement is a matter of pride not only for the university but for the entire higher education sector of Chhattisgarh. The establishment of the Dr Ambedkar Chair will create a robust academic and research center focused on social equality, constitutional values, and the empowerment of marginalised groups, which will have a far-reaching and positive impact on society.