New Delhi, May 29: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has earmarked two-thirds of the Tenth Plan allocation for scheduled castes development.
With empowerment of the disadvantaged and marginalised
sections being a priority on the government's development
agenda, the ministry has earmarked an outlay of Rs.8,530 crore
during 2002-07, out of which Rs.6,526 crore is for the welfare
of the backward classes and rest for the social welfare
sector, according to the ministry's annual report for 2002-03.
The report shows that a major part of the ministry's
resources - Rs.5,786 crore - has been allocated for the
welfare of the scheduled castes, marking two thirds of the
total plan outlay. The allocation is Rs.2,216 crore more than
the amount released for the welfare of the SCs during the 9th
Plan.
It said in the first year of the 10th Plan, Rs.9,44.82
crore were provided for implementation of the schemes meant
for the development of the SCs.
Under the scheme for Special Central Assistance (SCA) to
states and union territories, the government provides funds
for rapid socio-economic development of the SCs in addition to
the special component plan of the states and UTs to help SC
families to enhance their productivity and income.
Bureau Report
