INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 540 www.rsisinternational.org
“Industrial Policy in the Vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar”
Dr. Bhimasha K. B.
Associate Professor in Commerce, Government First Grade College for Women, Bidar
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000048
Received: 04 October 2025; Accepted: 12 October 2025; Published: 01 November 2025
ABSTRACT:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), popularly known as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, was also a
distinguished economist whose contributions to industrial policy are often overlooked. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
envisioned industrialization not merely as an economic necessity but as a vehicle of social transformation. He
argued that agriculture alone could not sustain India’s economic growth and emphasized state-led
industrialization, labor welfare, and social justice. This paper examines Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s industrial policy
in terms of his advocacy for state intervention, balanced economic growth, protection of labor, and prevention
of economic inequality. By analyzing his writings, speeches, and policy interventions, this study highlights the
relevance of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s economic vision for contemporary India.
Keywords: Ambedkar, Industrial Policy, State Socialism, Labor Welfare, Economic Democracy, Social Justice
INTRODUCTION:
Industrial policy plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of national development. In India, debates on
industrialization have often been dominated by the perspectives of nationalist leaders like Gandhi and Nehru.
However, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision of industrial policy represents a distinct and pragmatic approach. Trained
as an economist at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, Ambedkar developed a modern
outlook on economic planning. He consistently argued that without industrialization, India could neither
overcome poverty nor achieve social equality.
For Ambedkar, industrialization was intrinsically linked to his broader project of social justice. His proposals,
particularly in *States and Minorities* (1947), anticipated many elements of India’s post-independence planning
model. This paper examines Ambedkar’s perspective on industrial policy through the lens of research
methodology.
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of this study are:
1. To analyze Dr. Ambedkar’s views on industrialization and its role in India’s economic development.
2. To examine Ambedkar’s recommendations for state intervention in industrial policy.
3. To explore the connection between industrial policy and social justice in Ambedkar’s thought.
4. To evaluate the relevance of Ambedkar’s industrial policy in contemporary India.
METHODOLOGY
This study is based on qualitative and descriptive research methodology. It relies secondary sources:
Secondary Sources: Scholarly writings, commentaries, and biographies such as Rodrigues (2002) and Zelliot
(2013).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 541 www.rsisinternational.org
The study follows an analytical approach, interpreting Ambedkar’s economic philosophy in the context of
industrial policy and linking it with present-day implications.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
Here are some authors & works that specifically deal with Ambedkar’s vision / economic thought / industrial
policy.
Key Authors & Works
Author(s) Title / Work Key Arguments & Relevance to Industrial Policy /
Related Themes
1. Gummadi
Nancharaiah
“B.R. Ambedkar,
Economic Development
and Dalits in Post‑
Independence India”
(2022)
Looks at Ambedkar’s economic writings in the post
‑independence period, especially how his ideas about
monetary / fiscal systems, trade, land reforms,
inclusive growth relate to the socio‑economic
outcomes for Dalits. Useful for comparing what
Ambedkar envisioned vs what actually happened.
2. Satish Gaikwad *Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and
His Economic Reforms
towards Building Modern
India as a Developed
Nation*
Emphasizes Ambedkar’s vision for inclusive
industrial development, labour rights, monetary
stability, education, fiscal federalism. It shows how
many of Ambedkar’s proposals anticipated modern
notions of inclusive growth.
3. Patil B. S. & Dr.
Dhore K. B
*Economic Thoughts of
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for
Sustainable Economic
Development in India*
They connect Ambedkar’s ideas to sustainable
development: not merely growth, but equitable
growth, environmental sustainability, social justice.
Relates industrial policy to broader goals of
sustainability.
4. Anita Moudgil The Contributions of Dr.
Ambedkar in the field of
Economics*
Covers many aspects including industrial reforms,
agricultural reform, revenue, etc. Helps you to see
how industrial policy fits into Ambedkar’s overall
economic philosophy.
5. Sunil Khosla | *Economic Revolution in
India: Contribution of Dr.
Ambedkar*
Discusses how Ambedkar’s thoughts applied to
growth planning, industrial reforms, public finance,
agriculture. Useful for drawing connections between
his early ideas and later industrial policy.
6. Sridevi, Editor
(Gummadi Sridevi)
*Ambedkar’s Vision of
Economic Development
for India* (Book, 2020)
This volume contains several essays by different
authors (like Sukhadeo Thorat, R. S. Deshpande,
Anand Teltumbde etc.) that treat industrialization,
labour laws, economic planning, trade, public finance,
as central to Ambedkar’s vision. Good for thematic
coverage.
7. Sukhadeo Thorat Contributor in
*Ambedkar’s Vision of
Economic Development
for India*
Thorat writes on economic development and poverty
alleviation in Ambedkar’s thought. Helps understand
his view on how industrial growth must be linked
with poverty reduction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 542 www.rsisinternational.org
8. Odeyar D. Heggade *Economic thought of Dr.
B. R. Ambedkar* (1998)
This is an older, more foundational work. It traces
Ambedkar’s economic ideas more generally—
including issues relevant to industrial policy—like
labour, public finance, agriculture. Useful to see how
interpretations have changed over time.
9. Surender Singh,
Dhani Ram, Vishal
Pandey
*Ambedkar’s Study on
Fiscal Economics: A
Critical Analysis*
Examines Ambedkar’s contributions to fiscal
economics: colonial & provincial finance, public
expenditure, and fiscal discipline. Useful to
understand his views on state revenue, public
investment ‒ important for industrial policy.
10. Veena L B &
Mahendra Kumar S
*Ambedkar’s Thoughts of
Economics: An Analysis*
Focuses on “Small Holdings in India and Their
Remedies”, rupee/currency issues etc. Helps
understand the agricultural/land dimension that
connects with industrialisation (e.g. labour, surplus,
capital).
11. Jyoti Kumar *Assessment of the Impact
of Dr. Ambedkar's
economic philosophy on
India’s last decade
budget*
Looks at how state budgets in recent years reflect (or
not) Ambedkar’s economic philosophy: fiscal
allocations, poverty, industrial vs agricultural
spending etc. Good for tracing present‐day relevance.
12. Prof. (Dr.) B. S.
Patil & Dr. K. B.
Dhore
*Economic Thoughts of
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar for
Sustainable Economic
Development in India*
Analyses Ambedkar’s ideas in the context of
sustainability: combines economic growth, social
justice, environment, labour rights etc. Useful to show
how industrial policy must also be sustainable.
13. Gummadi
Nancharaiah
*B.R. Ambedkar,
Economic Development
and Dalits in Post‑
Independence India*
Places Ambedkar’s economic ideas in the post‐1947
Indian context; examines caste, land, labour, fiscal &
monetary policy. Helps see how much of Ambedkar’s
industrial policy vision was adopted or differed over
time.
14. Gummadi Sridevi
(Editor)
*Ambedkar’s Vision of
Economic Development
for India*
A collection of essays that among other themes focus
on industrialisation, trade, public finance, labour
laws; very relevant for mapping Ambedkar’s
industrial policy vision.
15. Dr. G.
Yoganandham
*Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar’s
thoughts on Selected
Economic, Political and
Social Issues in India* &
*Contribution to Selected
Economic and Social
Issues – A Theoretical
Assessment*
These works include Ambedkar’s views on the
economic side of social issues, productive resources,
state control etc. Useful to pick up his normative
positions which influence industrial policy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 543 www.rsisinternational.org
DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS
1. Industrialization as the Remedy to Agricultural Distress:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasized that “industrialization is the soundest remedy for the agricultural problem of
India” (Writings and Speeches, Vol. 1). He observed that excessive dependence on agriculture led to disguised
unemployment and poverty. By transferring surplus labor into industries, India could generate employment and
increase productivity.
2. State’s Role and Industrial Democracy
Dr. B. R .Ambedkar advocated state socialism in basic industries. In States and Minorities, he argued for
nationalization of key industries like mining, electricity, and transport. His reasoning was twofold: first, to
prevent capitalist monopolies; second, to ensure that industrial growth benefits the masses. Unlike laissez-faire
capitalism, Ambedkar’s model placed strong emphasis on economic democracy alongside political democracy.
3. Balancing Agriculture and Industry
Dr. B,R. Ambedkar envisioned a dual economy where agriculture and industry complemented each other.
Industrial growth would reduce pressure on land, while agricultural productivity would feed industrial workers
and supply raw materials. This balanced approach was later reflected in India’s Five-Year Plans.
4. Labor Welfare and Social Justice:
As Labour Member (1942–46), Ambedkar introduced significant reforms such as:
* Eight-hour workday
* Maternity leave benefits
* Workers’ welfare funds
* Health insurance schemes
These policies reflected his belief that industrialization should empower labor rather than exploit it. Industrial
policy, in Ambedkar’s vision, was an instrument of social transformation—breaking caste-based occupational
rigidities and providing equal opportunities for marginalized groups.
5. Preventing Economic Inequality
Ambedkar warned that private industrialization would lead to wealth concentration. By advocating public sector
control, he sought to ensure redistribution of resources. He argued that political democracy without economic
democracy would be hollow.
FINDINGS
The study highlights several key findings:
1. Ambedkar saw industrialization as essential for India’s economic modernization.
2. His advocacy of state socialism anticipated many post-independence economic policies.
3. He consistently linked industrial policy with social justice and equality, making him unique among Indian
leaders.
4. His contributions to labor rights were pioneering and remain relevant today.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue X October 2025
Page 544 www.rsisinternational.org
5. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s industrial vision was not just economic but deeply humanistic, aiming at dignity of
labor and equitable opportunities.
CONCLUSION:
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s vision of industrial policy reflects his dual concern for economic progress and social
justice. By advocating state-led industrialization, labor welfare, and prevention of monopolies, he sought to build
an economy that could uplift the marginalized and reduce inequality. His ideas anticipated India’s mixed
economy model and continue to inspire debates on inclusive growth. In today’s era of globalization and
privatization, Ambedkar’s warning against unchecked capitalism remains highly relevant. Thus, Ambedkar’s
industrial policy vision offers both a historical foundation and a guiding principle for shaping equitable economic
development in modern India.
REFERENCES:
1. Ambedkar, B. R. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches. Vols. 1–5. Education Department,
Government of Maharashtra, 1979–2003.
2. Ambedkar, B. R. The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution. P. S. King & Son, 1923.
3. Ambedkar, B. R. States and Minorities: What Are Their Rights and How to Secure Them in the
Constitution of Free India. 1947.
4. Rodrigues, Valerian. The Essential Writings of B. R. Ambedkar. Oxford University Press, 2002.
5. Zelliot, Eleanor. Ambedkar’s World: The Making of Babasaheb and the Dalit Movement. Navayana,
2013.
6. https://www.routledge.com/BR-Ambedkar-Economic-Development-and-Dalits-in-Post-Independence-
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Ambedkar and His Economic Reforms towards Building Modern India as a Developed Nation: Scholarly
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8. https://zenodo.org/records/15585123?utm source=chatgpt.com "Economic Thoughts of Dr. B. R.
Ambedkar For Sustainable Economic Development in India"
9. https://rhimrj.co.in/index.php/rhimrj/article/view/211?utm source=chatgpt.com "The Contributions of
Dr. Ambedkar in the field of Economics | RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research
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Ambedkar / Odeyar D. Heggade | Catalogue | National Library of Australia"
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Impact of Dr. Ambedkar's economic philosophy on India's last decade budget"
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thought-socialism-india-critical-evaluation/arid/978ba076-f25a-40e7-8e66-4a6f661b3ae3?utm
source=chatgpt.com "Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and his thought on socialism in India: A critical evaluation"