QN 1( d) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s idea of state socialism.

Ambedkar understood that political and social equality can be attained only if economic equality was established. To this end, he advocated state socialism. However his path of advocating it was not through revolution but by constitutional means. He was known for his practical approach to politics, and refrained from fantasizing a violent revolution or re-organization.

      

Ambedkar’s state socialism conceived to,

• Establish state socialism
• Retain parliamentary democracy
• Avoid dictatorship.

Ambedkar advocated:

• State ownership and management of important industries
• State ownership of basic industries
• Nationalization of insurance sector and provision for compulsory insurance to all.
• State ownership of land and collective farming.
• State control over agriculture.
• State revenue collection from agriculture.

He advocated for 10 year state socialism(similar to reservation) to create a level playing field. Ambedkar desired to provide for state socialism through part-III( Fundamental Rights), but Sardar Vallabhai Patel and J.B.Kripadia who were in charge of Fundamental rights refused to entertain the proposal.

The evolution of Indian economy from Nehruion goal of establishing “socialistic pattern of society” to the post-1991 era of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization indicate that the economic modal best suited can be adopted by the government based on prevailing economic and political situations.