Cost of Education

*Dr. Ambedkar in the Bombay Legislature:*
ON GRANTS FOR EDUCATION, 12th March 1927

"Going over the figures which give us information as to the manner by which we finance education in this presidency, I find that out of the total expenditure which we incur on arts colleges, something like 36% is financed from fees; out of the expenditure that we incur on high schools something like 31% is financed from fees; out of the expenditure that we incur on middle schools, something like 26% is derived from fees. Now, Sir, I submit that this is commercialisation of education. Education is something which ought to be brought within the reach of everyone. The education department is not a department which can be treated on the basis of 'quid pro quo'. Education ought to be cheapened in all possible ways and to the greatest possible extent. I urge this plea because I feel that we are arriving at a stage when the lower orders of society are just getting into the high schools, middle schools and colleges, and the policy of this department therefore ought to be to make higher education as cheap to the lower classes as it can possibly be made." ~Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

DBAWS, Vol. 2

Intellectual class from each strata of Society

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 'Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Ancient India':

     ~A purely intellectual class, free to consider general good and having no interest of a class to consider, such as the one contemplated by Buddha is not to be had anywhere. For the limitations resulting from property on the freedom of intellect of the elite have not been generally realized until very recently. But this want of an intellectual class has been made good in other countries by the fact that in those countries each Strata of Society has its educated class. There is safety, if no definite guidance, in the multiplicity of views expressed by different educated classes drawn from different strata of society. In such a multiplicity of views there is no danger of society being misguided or misdirected by the views of one single educated class drawn from one single strata of society and which is naturally bound to place the interest of its class before the interests of the country.

Be Watchful, Strong, Well Educated, Self Respecting

"Remember that it is not enough that people are numerically in majority. They must be always watchful, strong, well-educated and self-respecting to attain and maintain success."

~Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, 1933

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(Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches; Vol. 17, Part 3)

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Education is a Serious matter and Not a Tea Time Enjoyment

DBAWS, Vol. 17, Part III (2nd Jan 1945, Calcutta, address to students of Scheduled Castes)

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar advised the students not only to get degree but to see that the degree carried with it some positive knowledge or attainment, that they had qualifications which they called 'sterling.'

They must regard education as a serious matter and not a tea-time enjoyment.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Karmavir Bhaurao Patil

"I am extremely happy to have been able to pay this visit to the Hostel. It is an unique institution and deserves support of every man who cares for the best interests of this nation. Every credit is due to my friend Bhaurao Patil. I am paying Rs. 20/- to this institution."

Satara:

29-07-1928                                                    Sd./- B. R. Ambedkar

DBAWS Vol. 17, Part 1

(This is the remarks Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had written during his visit to the hostel run by the institution of the Great Social Reformer and Educationist Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil.)

Advice on Economic Inequalities

"The attention of the Anti- Untouchability League and workers in the same cause should be directed more to the economic, educational and social improvement of the untouchables rather than to temple entry and inter-dining. Public opinion should be mobilised by them to throw open wells and to admit Untouchable children to Public Schools."

-Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

(The Times of India, 19.10.1932)