The Role of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in Labour Welfare

AbstractDr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the great social reformer, globally respected thinker, andprincipal architect of the Indian Constitution, made an immense and lasting impact through hissocial and political work. Even a brief look at his social contributions is enough to recognize hisgreatness; yet his identity extends far beyond that. Dr. Ambedkar was a truly multidimensionalpersonality—an accomplished economist, a visionary educator, and a journalist who used thepress as an effective tool during various social struggles. Along with these roles, his deep studyof labour issues and his contributions to the working-class movement hold exceptionalsignificance.Dr. Ambedkar played a decisive role in securing workers’ rights, improving their qualityof life, and ensuring their future security. He firmly believed that if political power remainedconcentrated in the hands of the capitalist class, the Dalits and the labouring masses of Indiawould once again be pushed into a state of bondage. Recognizing the need to create awarenessamong workers, he founded the Independent Labour Party in 1936, based on democratic values.His influence on India’s labour movement, reforms in labour laws, empathy for women workers,understanding of the hardships faced by workers’ families, and his vision for their holisticupliftment is unparalleled. Without his leadership, the future of the Dalits, the oppressed, and theworking class would have been bleak—this is beyond dispute.Even today, the condition of workers remains a matter of concern. New labour policiesdo not offer them adequate protection or benefit. Globalization, mechanization, the growingdominance of multinational corporations, and emerging forms of neo-imperialism haveintensified the exploitation of ordinary people. As capital accumulates, the value of labourcontinues to diminish, widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Alongside this economicimbalance, a noticeable decline in social and cultural values is also evident.