Bodies Constituted, Policies, Programmes and Schemes for welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal Ministry to oversee the interests of the Scheduled Castes. Though the primary responsibility for promotion of interests of the Scheduled Castes rests with all the Central Ministries in the area of their operations and the State Governments, the Ministry complements their efforts by way of interventions in critical sectors through specifically tailored schemes. The Scheduled Castes Development (SCD) Bureau of the Ministry aims to promote the welfare of Scheduled Castes through their educational, economic and Social Empowerment. Efforts made by State Governments and Central Ministries for protecting and promoting the interests of Scheduled Castes are also monitored.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is an Indian constitutional body established with a view to provide safeguards against the exploitation of Scheduled Castes to promote and protect their social, educational, economic and cultural interests, special provisions were made in the Constitution.
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is an Indian constitutional body was established through Constitution (89th Amendment) Act, 2003.
On the 89th Amendment of the Constitution coming into force on 19 February 2004, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has been set up under ARTICLE 338A on bifurcation of erstwhile National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to oversee the implementation of various safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under the Constitution.
Policies and programmes
For scheduled casts
Educational Empowerment
Various scholarships are provided to the students belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SCs) to ensure that Education is not denied due to the poor financial condition of their families. These Scholarships are provided at both pre-matric and post-matric levels. Scholarships are also provided to SC students for obtaining higher education in India and abroad, including premier educational institutions. The Scholarships can broadly be classified into the following three types:
Pre-Matric Scholarships
The objective of the pre-matric Scheme is to support the parents of SC children for educating their wards, so that the incidence of drop outs at this stage is minimized.
Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Caste Students (PMS-SC)
The Scheme is the single largest intervention by Government of India for educational empowerment of scheduled caste students. This is a centrally sponsored scheme. 100% central assistance is released to State Governments/UTs for expenditure incurred by them under the scheme over and above their respective committed liability.
Economic Empowerment
National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): Set up under the Ministry, to finance income generating activities of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries living below double 
the POVERTY line limits (presently Rs 98,000/- per annum for rural areas and Rs 1,20,000/- per annum for urban areas). NSFDC assists the target group by way of refinancing loans, skill training, Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and providing Marketing support through State Channelizing Agencies, RRBs, Public Sector Bank and Other Institutions
National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC): It is another corporation under the Ministry which provides credit facilities to beneficiaries amongst Safai Karamcharis, manual scavengers and their dependants for income generating activities for socio-Economic Development through State Channelizing Agencies.
Social Empowerment
The Protection of civil Rights Act, 1955
In pursuance of Article 17 of the Constitution of India, the Untouchability (Offences) Act, 1955 was enacted and notified on 08.05.1955. Subsequently, it was amended and renamed in the year 1976 as the “Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955”. Rules under this Act, viz “The Protection of Civil Rights Rules, 1977” were notified in 1977. The Act extends to the whole of India and provides punishment for the practice of untouchability. It is implemented by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. Assistance is provided to States/ UTs for implementation of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955.
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: Assistance is provided to States/ UTs for implementation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Financial assistance is provided to the States/ UTs for implementation of these Acts, by way of relief to atrocity victims, incentive for inter-caste marriages, awareness generation, setting up of exclusive Special courts, etc. Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 (No. 1 of 2016) was notified in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 01.01.2016. The Amended Act came into force w.e.f 26.01.2016.
For scheduled tribes
Educational empowerment
Top Class Education for ST Students
This is a Central Sector Scholarship Scheme for ST students introduced from the academic year 2007-08 with the objective of encouraging meritorious ST students for pursing studies at Degree and Post Graduate level in any of the Institutes identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the purpose.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools
In the context of the trend of establishing quality residential schools for the promotion of education in all areas and habitations in the country, the Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) for ST students take their place among the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and the Kendriya Vidyalayas. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are set up in States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India.
Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana
The Government of India, Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (VKY) for welfare of Tribals. VKY aims at creating enabling Environment for need based and outcome oriented holistic development of the tribal people. This process envisages to ensure that all the intended benefits of goods and Services under various programmes/schemes of Central as well as State Governments actually reach the target groups by convergence of Resources through appropriate institutional mechanism.
Economic empowerment
Model Blocks
There are about 350 Blocks in the Schedule V areas where Population to STs compared to total population of the Block is 50% or above. Despite several interventions in the past, these Blocks are still reeling under various facets of deprivation in so far as Human Development Indices are concerned. Through VKY, it is envisaged to develop these Blocks as model Blocks over the period of next five years with qualitative and visible infrastructural facilities.
Scheme of Marketing Development of Tribal Products or Produce
The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) was established in August 1987 by the then Ministry of Welfare, Government ofIndia , under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 1984 (which has now been replaced by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002) . TRIFED was established with the basic mandate of bringing about the socio-economic development of tribals of the country by institutionalizing the trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus agriculture Produce (SAP) collected/cultivated by them – because tribals are heavily dependent on these natural products for their livelihood. But in many cases they did not use to get remunerative prices due to middle-men and unscrupulous traders exploiting the naiveté of Tribals.
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The Indian government has taken a number of steps to improve the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. These steps include the establishment of several bodies, the implementation of various policies, and the launch of a number of programmes and schemes.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) was established in 1950 to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes. The NCSC is a statutory body that is responsible for investigating complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Castes, and for recommending measures to improve their social, economic, and educational status.
The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) was also established in 1950 to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Tribes. The NCST is a statutory body that is responsible for investigating complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes, and for recommending measures to improve their social, economic, and educational status.
The National Commission for Other Backward Classes (NCBC) was established in 1993 to safeguard the interests of Other Backward Classes. The NCBC is a statutory body that is responsible for investigating complaints of atrocities against Other Backward Classes, and for recommending measures to improve their social, economic, and educational status.
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was established in 1992 to safeguard the interests of minorities. The NCM is a statutory body that is responsible for promoting the welfare of minorities, and for protecting their rights.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) was established in 1992 to safeguard the interests of women. The NCW is a statutory body that is responsible for promoting the welfare of women, and for protecting their rights.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) was established in 1995 to safeguard the interests of persons with disabilities. The NCPWD is a statutory body that is responsible for promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities, and for protecting their rights.
The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, lists the Scheduled Castes in India. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, lists the Scheduled Tribes in India. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a law that provides for the prevention of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, 2001, is a policy that outlines the government’s commitment to the empowerment of women. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, is a policy that outlines the government’s commitment to the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural EMPLOYMENT Guarantee Act, 2005, is a law that guarantees 100 days of employment in a year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, 2014, is a Financial Inclusion scheme that aims to provide Banking facilities to all households in India. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, 2015, is a Skill development scheme that aims to provide training to 500 million people by 2022. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 2015, is a housing scheme that aims to provide housing to all eligible households in India by 2022. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, 2017, is a maternity benefit scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant women.
The Indira Gandhi Balika Samriddhi Yojana, 2002, is a scheme that provides financial assistance to girls from poor families. The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana, 2005, is a scheme that provides electricity to rural households. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, 2015, is a skill development scheme that aims to provide training to 500 million people by 2022. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 2015, is a housing scheme that aims to provide housing to all eligible households in India by 2022. The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, 2017, is a maternity benefit scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant women.
The government of India has taken a number of steps to improve the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. These steps include the establishment of several bodies, the implementation of various policies, and the launch of a number of programmes and schemes. These steps have helped to improve the social, economic, and educational status of these groups.
Bodies constituted for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC): The NCSC is a statutory body established by the Constitution of India to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Castes. The NCSC has the power to investigate complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Castes, to recommend remedial measures to the government, and to advise the government on matters relating to the welfare of Scheduled Castes.
- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST): The NCST is a statutory body established by the Constitution of India to safeguard the interests of Scheduled Tribes. The NCST has the power to investigate complaints of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes, to recommend remedial measures to the government, and to advise the government on matters relating to the welfare of Scheduled Tribes.
- National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC): The NSFDC is a financial institution established by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Castes entrepreneurs for setting up and running businesses. The NSFDC provides loans, grants, and other forms of financial assistance to Scheduled Castes entrepreneurs.
- National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC): The NSTFDC is a financial institution established by the Government of India to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Tribes entrepreneurs for setting up and running businesses. The NSTFDC provides loans, grants, and other forms of financial assistance to Scheduled Tribes entrepreneurs.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a ministry of the Government of India that is responsible for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides a number of schemes and programmes for the welfare of these groups.
Policies, Programmes and Schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is an Act of the Parliament of India that provides for the prevention of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Act defines an atrocity as an act of violence or intimidation committed against a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe person with the intention of humiliating or degrading him or her on the ground of his or her caste or tribe. The Act also provides for the punishment of persons who commit atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan (SC/ST Sub-Plan): The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan (SC/ST Sub-Plan) is a plan of development for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The SC/ST Sub-Plan is a component of the overall plan of development for the country. The SC/ST Sub-Plan is designed to ensure that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes get a fair share of the benefits of development.
- The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) is a plan of development for Scheduled Tribes. The TSP is a component of the overall plan of development for the country. The TSP is designed to ensure that Scheduled Tribes get a fair share of the benefits of development.
- The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a financial inclusion scheme launched by the Government of India in 2014. The PMJDY aims to provide financial services to the poor, including bank accounts, overdrafts, and insurance. The PMJDY has been particularly beneficial for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a skill development scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015. The PMKVY aims to provide training to 10 million people in various skills. The PMKVY has been particularly beneficial for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a housing scheme launched by the Government of India in 2015. The PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to the poor. The PMAY has been particularly beneficial for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit scheme launched by the Government of India in 2017. The PMMVY aims to provide financial assistance to pregnant women.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a body constituted for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
(A) National Commission for Scheduled Castes
(B) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
(C) National Commission for Minorities
(D) National Commission for Women
Answer
(C)
The National Commission for Minorities is a statutory body constituted under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. It is responsible for protecting the interests of minorities in India. The other three bodies are constituted for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a policy for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
(A) The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
(B) The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Act, 1989
(C) The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP)
(D) The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005
Answer
(D)
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 is a social security legislation that aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. It is not a policy for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a programme for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
(A) The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
(B) The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana (DDU-GKY)
(C) The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
(D) The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY)
Answer
(D)
The Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) was a rural electrification programme launched in 2005. It was aimed at providing electricity to all villages in India by 2012. The programme was discontinued in 2012 and its functions were transferred to the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana (DDU-GKY).
Question 4
Which of the following is not a scheme for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes?
(A) The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
(B) The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
(C) The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
(D) The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Answer
(A)
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a housing for all scheme launched in 2015. It is aimed at providing affordable housing to all Indians by 2022. The scheme is not specifically for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.