New Delhi Jan 02: The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (Department of Social Justice & Empowerment) is entrusted with the empowerment of the disadvantaged and marginalized sections of the society. The Target groups of the Department are: (i) Scheduled Castes, (ii) Other Backward Classes, (iii) Senior Citizens and (iv) Victims of Substance Abuse.
Enhancement in Plan Outlay in 2013-14
There was an increase of 16.66% in the Plan outlay of the Ministry from Rs.5915 crore in 2012-13 to Rs 6625 crore in 2013-14 which includes the Budget Estimate of the Department of Disability of Affairs. The Plan Outlay allocated to Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been enhanced from Rs 13043 crore in the 11th Five Year Plan to Rs 32684 crore for 12th Five Year Plan.In 2013, many initiatives were taken to empower these weaker sections:
Scheduled Castes Development
Revision in the Scheme of Post Matric Scholarship for the Scheduled Castes Student
The objective of this Scheme is to provide financial assistance to scheduled caste students studying at post matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. The financial assistance includes maintenance allowance, reimbursement of non-refundable compulsory fee, Book Bank facility and other allowances.
The Scheme has been partially revised w.e.f. 01.04.2013. The annual parental income ceiling on the eligibility condition has been revised from existing Rs.2.00 lakh to Rs. 2.50 lakh.
Scheme of Top Class Education for Scheduled Caste Students: Inclusion of New Institutions
Under this Central Sector Scheme, SC students who secure the admission in the notified institutions are provided full financial support to meet the requirements of Tuition fees, living expenses, books and computer. Maximum number of slots for new scholarship each year is 1250. Scholarships are granted for Engineering, Medicine, Law, Management and other specialized courses. Notified Institutions include Indian Institute of Managements (IIMs), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), National Institute of Technology (NITs), commercial pilot training institutions and reputed medical/law and other institutions of excellence.(SP News)
