DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR'S VIEWS ON LAND REFORM AND THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is one of the most important personalities in the Indian history whose work for social justice, mainly for marginalised community, is even today being remembered. He remained an important proponent of land reform, and agricultural matters in relation to addressing the socio-economic imbalances that existed in pre independent India. This social injustice was further manifested in economic injustice in the exploitative landownership patterns and the Zamindari system strengthened it (Ambedkar, 1993). There was a strong focus on land redistribution by such arrangements which were to liberate Dalits and the backward classes from the clutches of intermediaries in land dealing and get them equitable land rights to a means of livelihood and economic dependence.

He also began speaking about the importance of state intervention in agriculture, supporting modern techniques and the provision of land, water and other resources to dispossessed communities and cooperative farming. His vision was one of true social and economic justice which would be made possible through the empowerment of the agricultural sector, the backbone of India’s economy.

Arun Kumar and I have tried to actively critique Ambedkar Ian land reform ideas and its relevance in contemporary Indian political economy. It evaluates how his advocacy has affected land reform policies, the agrarian sector, and Dalit empowerment. The paper also examines challenges surrounding implementation of his vision, and lessons for future reform. Dr Ambedkar's dedication to social justice guides India’s agricultural and land reform debate.