The institute is expected to show solution to the problems of the marginalised communities, offering a platform for rigorous policy research and leadership development.
Published Jun 21, 2025 | 6:53 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 21, 2025 | 6:53 PM
Vice-Chancellor Prof Ghanta Chakrapani of the Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University said a proposal for the institute has been submitted to the state government. (Batthini Vinay Kumar Goud/Creative Commons)
Synopsis: The Dr. BR Ambedkar International Institute for Dialogue on Governance and Equity will be established at a cost of ₹100 crore, and it will be located on the open university campus in Hyderabad.
In a move to advance research on governance and social justice, Dr BR Ambedkar Open University in Hyderabad is proposing to set up a Dr. BR Ambedkar International Institute for Dialogue on Governance and Equity.
The institute, to be located on the premises of Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University, is estimated to cost ₹100 crore and will serve as a pioneering research center dedicated to addressing societal inequities, constitutional studies, and policy analysis.
Vice-Chancellor of Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University, Ghanta Chakrapani, told South First that the proposal for the institute has been submitted to the state government.
“The chief minister allocated ₹100 crore for the project, and now the proposal is under review by the deputy chief minister. The funding for this ambitious initiative will be sourced from the Scheduled Caste (SC) sub-plan, which constitutes 15% of the state’s total budget, ensuring no shortage of financial resources,” he said.
The institute will be housed in a dedicated building on a two-acre plot within the university campus. Designed to function as a think-tank, the center will focus on analysing government policies and their impact on marginalised communities.
It aims to foster in-depth research on critical areas such as the Indian Constitution, Dr. BR Ambedkar’s philosophy on governance, Center-state relations, federalism, and equitable economic initiatives. The institute will also facilitate discussions on social issues, including discrimination, Dalit concerns, and women’s vulnerability, to propose solutions to end societal inequities.
A key feature of the institute is its proposed academic collaborations with prestigious global institutions such as the London School of Economics and Columbia University. These partnerships will facilitate higher studies for students, particularly in economic initiatives aimed at reducing disparities across various sections of society.
Besides, the center will establish a dedicated mechanism to finance overseas education for Dalit students, enabling them to pursue advanced studies. The institute aspires to meet international standards as a research hub, focusing on state and central government policies.
“It will accord priority to training Dalit youth at the grassroots level, particularly at the panchayat level, to empower them as future leaders. By addressing social evils, illiteracy, and other societal challenges, the center aims to create a platform for transformative change,” the vice-chancellor said.
Prof Chakrapani said that the project is expected to be grounded within the next six months. To ensure its effective implementation, a governing council will soon be constituted, comprising national and global researchers, legal luminaries, and experts in governance and social justice.
The council will be tasked with finalising the programmes and initiatives the institute will undertake, ensuring that they are in consonance with its mission to promote equity and inclusive governance.
It is expected that the establishment of the Dr. BR Ambedkar International Institute for Dialogue on Governance and Equity marks a significant milestone in Hyderabad’s academic and social landscape. By focusing on Ambedkar’s vision of justice and equality, the institute is expected to show a solution to the problems of the marginalised communities, offering a platform for rigorous policy research and leadership development.
With robust funding and a clear vision, the institute is expected to make an impact on governance and social equity, both in India and globally.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
