It seems the inclusion of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in development of Odisha is not a priority of the Odisha Government as it is evident that, leave alone central schemes, there is not a single dedicated scheme solely out of State funds under the provision of Scheduled Caste Sub Plan focusing development of SCs.
Majority of SCs in Odisha are historically victims of the practices of untouchability. Besides, they are poor and landless. Many of them are distressed migrant workers. It has been widely understood that without the States intervention to change their socio-eco condition, it is difficult for them to stand on their own.
Though they constitute almost nearly one-fifth of the Population of the State but they have been deprived of funds in State Budget proportionate to their population for development. Leave aside job reservation in Government which covers only a very microscopic number of families among them, a vast majority of them, about 99 per cent of the families, are struggling to make a living against all odds.
In this context, lets discuss about schemes for SCs in Kerala which has achieved highest rank in social development indicators among the States. The SCs constitute about 9.1 per cent of the total population of the State and STs constitute almost 1.45 per cent. The total area of Kerala is 38,852 sqkm with about 590 km coast line and a majority of its population are in urban area. By contrast, the total area of Odisha is 1, 55,707 sqkm and the State has 480 km coast line.
Kerala has had a long HISTORY of progressive socio-political tradition that is rooted in ideology of social and social Justice promoted by social reformers such as Ayyankali (1863-1941), Narayana Guru(1856-1928), and powerful social movements such as Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability (1924-25) with involvement of MK Gandhi and EV Ramaswami. Later the Left Front Government led by EMS Namboodiripad, the first Chief Minister of Kerala launched land reform, Literacy, universal primary Education, Panchayati Raj system and progressive literary and science education movements, which contributed immensely to building an inclusive social development.
The three major institutions evolved in Kerala laying focus on SCs development are the Scheduled Castes Development Department, Kerala State Development Corporation for SCs and STs and Kerala State Commission for SCs and STs.
The many unique initiatives of the State Government include a host of schemes covering from nursery education to EMPLOYMENT in abroad and business sector and radical social reform agenda such as employing Dalits as priests in temples and promoting inter caste marriage.
The State has developed a scheme to finance SC and ST families to purchase land both in rural and urban areas for housing and suitable agricultural activities with 6 per cent rate of interest and repayment within 8 years. In order to ensure basic amenities schemes for self-sufficient village, SC habitations having more than 50 families are being provided about Rs 1 crore grant under local MLA supervision. The scheme ensures all basic facilities, connecting roads, toilet, drinking water, electricity, drainage line, and Waste Management, renovation of house, bio gas Plants and IGP for the villagers.