Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Autonomous body of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has successfully organized Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award Ceremony today at New Delhi. The ceremony was organized to felicitate meritorious Students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) who have secured top positions in the class 10th and meritorious Students belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) who have secured top positions in the class 12th Examinations conducted by recognized State/Central Boards and Councils.

Total 29 State/Central Boards and Councils were taken into consideration for the years 2021-22& 2022-23. A total of 367 students was awarded from class 10th, out of which 22 were toppers and a total of 563 students were awarded from class 12th, out of which 49 were toppers, during the session 2021-22. However, for the Session 2022-23, a total of 198 students were awarded from class 10th, out of which 17 were toppers and a total of 362 students were awarded from class 12th, out of which 29 were toppers.

Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon'ble Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment & Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, graced the occasion by his presence. In his address, Dr. Virendra Kumar highlighted the contribution of Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar in the field of education and social justice, and reiterated the Government's commitment to the empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other disadvantaged communities through education, scholarships, fellowships, and welfare schemes.

Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B.L. Verma, lauded the achievements of the awardees and emphasised the pro-people initiatives of the Government in ensuring access to quality education for all sections of society, especially the marginalized. They urged the students to carry forward the values of equality, fraternity, dignity and social justice enshrined by Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar.

Under the Dr. Ambedkar National Merit Award Scheme, the Foundation conferred awards to the top three SC and ST students of each recognized category for secondary education Board and SC Students in senior secondary education Board.

The award was given one time grant as per the following

I. Student securing highest marks Rs. 60,000/-

II. Student securing 2nd highest marks Rs. 50,000/-

III. Student securing 3rd highest marks Rs. 40,000/-

In addition, a special award was given to the highest-scoring girl student in cases where no girl featured among the top three. The awards comprised one-time cash prize of Rs.60,000/- as a token of recognition and encouragement.

Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, SJ&E, spoke on the role of the Ministry in implementing key scholarship and empowerment schemes, while Shri V. Apparao, Member Secretary, DAF, welcomed the guests and awardee students. Shri Manoj Tiwari, Director DAF, extended the vote of thanks and congratulated the awardees, their parents and teachers. Smt. Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary, SJ&E, and other senior officials from MoSJ&E & DAF and other departments were also attended the ceremony.

This year's ceremony witnessed the participation of awardees, parents, teachers, educationists and dignitaries from across the country. The Ministry reaffirmed that such initiatives will continue to be organized every year, as part of the Government's vision to create an equitable and inclusive society through education and empowerment.

The event concluded with a resounding message of unity, equality and the pursuit of excellence, echoing Babasaheb's call: "Educate, Agitate, Organize".

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KV