2024-ம் ஆண்டில் சமூக நீதி, அதிகாரமளித்தல் அமைச்சகத்தின் முக்கிய முன்முயற்சிகள், திட்டங்கள், சாதனைகள் / KEY INITIATIVES & ACHIEVEMENS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT SECTOR IN 2024

• 2024-ம் ஆண்டில் சமூக நீதி, அதிகாரமளித்தல் அமைச்சகத்தின் முக்கிய முன்முயற்சிகள், திட்டங்கள், சாதனைகள் / KEY INITIATIVES & ACHIEVEMENS OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT SECTOR IN 2024: 18,72,000 எஸ்சி மாணவர்களுக்கு ரூ.437 கோடி மதிப்பிலான ப்ரீ-மெட்ரிக் கல்வி உதவித்தொகை வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
• போஸ்ட் மெட்ரிக் கல்வி உதவித்தொகை திட்டத்தின் கீழ் 41,32,000 எஸ்சி மாணவர்களுக்கு ரூ.4965 கோடிக்கு மேல் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
• ஷ்ரேஷ்டா திட்டத்தின் கீழ் 2024-25 கல்வியாண்டில் சிபிஎஸ்இ / மாநில வாரியங்களால் இணைக்கப்பட்ட 142 தனியார் பள்ளிகளில் சேர்க்கைக்கு 2961 மாணவர்கள் தேர்வு செய்யப்பட்டனர்.
• பிரதமரின் அஜய் திட்டத்தின் கீழ், 5051 கிராமங்கள் 'ஆதர்ஷ் கிராமம்' ஆக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன; இதில் 1655 திட்டங்களின் கீழ் 3,05,842 பயனாளிகளுக்கு அனுமதி வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
• ஒரே டிஜிட்டல் தளத்தின் கீழ் பொருளாதார அதிகாரமளித்தல் முயற்சிகளை ஒருங்கிணைக்கவும் நெறிப்படுத்தவும் பிரதமரின் சூரஜ் தளம் தொடங்கப்பட்டது, இது பின்தங்கிய வகுப்பினரின் பொருளாதார மேம்பாட்டிற்கான விரிவான தீர்வாக அமைகிறது
• விஸ்வாஸ் இணையதளம் 1.67 லட்சம் எஸ்சி பயனாளிகளின் கோரிக்கைகளைப் பெற்றுள்ளது.
• கைவினைஞர்களின் தயாரிப்புகளை சந்தைப்படுத்துவதற்காக துலிப் பிராண்ட் தொடங்கப்பட்டது
• 2023-24 ஆம் ஆண்டில், 80,185 பயனாளிகள் பிரதமரின் தக்ஷ் திட்டத்தின் கீழ் 112 அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்ட பயிற்சி நிறுவனங்கள் மூலம் பயிற்சி பெற்றுள்ளனர்.
• போதைப் பொருள் இல்லாத இந்தியா இயக்கம் 4.42 கோடி இளைஞர்கள், 2.71 கோடி பெண்கள் உட்பட 13.57 கோடிக்கும் அதிகமான மக்களை சென்றடைந்தது. இது தொடங்கப்பட்டதிலிருந்து 3.85 லட்சத்துக்கும் மேற்பட்ட கல்வி நிறுவனங்களின் பங்கேற்பை பெற்றுள்ளது.
• ஸ்மைல் திட்டத்தின் கீழ், இந்த ஆண்டில் 6 மாநிலங்களில் ஆதரவற்ற திருநங்கைகளுக்காக 6 புதிய பாதுகாப்பு இல்லங்கள் அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.
• ராஷ்ட்ரிய வயோஸ்ரீ யோஜனா தொடங்கப்பட்டதிலிருந்து, 3.87 லட்சத்துக்கும் மேற்பட்ட மூத்த குடிமக்கள் 15.54 லட்சத்துக்கும் அதிகமான உதவி சாதனங்களைப் பெற்றுள்ளனர்
• மத்திய சமூக நீதி, அதிகாரமளித்தல் அமைச்சர் திரு வீரேந்திர குமார் 28.02.2024 அன்று மணிப்பூரில் 2 விடுதிகள் (இதர பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட வகுப்பினருக்கு தலா 100 இருக்கைகள் கொண்ட விடுதிகள்) கட்டுவதற்கான அடிக்கல் நாட்டு விழாவில் பங்கேற்றார். நாடு முழுவதும் பிற மாநிலங்களில் 746 இடங்கள் கொண்ட 6 விடுதிகளைத் திறந்து வைத்தார்.
• பின்தங்கிய பிரிவு இளம் சாதனையாளர்களுக்கு உயர் கல்விக்கான உதவித்தொகை திட்டம் ஷ்ரேயாஸ் செயல்படுத்தப்படுகிறது.
• இலக்கு நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்ட பகுதிகளில் உள்ள உயர்நிலைப் பள்ளிகளில் மாணவர்களுக்கான உறைவிடக் கல்விக்கான ஷ்ரேஷ்டா திட்டம் செயல்படுத்தப்படுகிறது.
• 01.01.2024 முதல் 09.12.2024 வரை தேவை-அடிப்படையிலான திட்டத்தின் கீழ் மத்திய அரசு வழங்கிய நிதியுதவி ரூ.512.83 கோடியாகும்.
• இதர பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட மாணவ மாணவியருக்கான விடுதிகள் கட்டும் திட்டத்தின் கீழ் 01.01.2024 முதல் 09.12.2024 வரை 400 இடங்களுக்கு ரூ.859 லட்சம் வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
• தேசிய பிற்படுத்தப்பட்டோர் நிதி மேம்பாட்டுக் கழகம் 2024 ஜனவரி முதல் நவம்பர் வரை 63,014 பயனாளிகளுக்கு உதவி செய்த வகையில் ரூ.455.77 கோடியை வழங்கியுள்ளது.
• ஷில்ப் சமகம் மேளா, டெல்லி ஹாத், இந்திய சர்வதேச வர்த்தக கண்காட்சி, சூரஜ்குண்ட் சர்வதேச கைவினைப் பொருட்கள் மேளா போன்ற நாட்டின் முன்னணி கண்காட்சிகளிலும், அந்தந்த மாநிலங்களில் ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்படும் கண்காட்சிகளிலும் பங்கேற்பதற்கான வாய்ப்புகளை வழங்குவதன் மூலம் இலக்கு சார்ந்த குழுவைச் சேர்ந்த கைவினைஞர்களுக்கு சந்தைப்படுத்தல் ஆதரவு வழங்கப்படுகிறது.
• தூய்மைப் பணியாளர்களின் நலனுக்காக இயந்திரமயமாக்கப்பட்ட தூய்மைப்பணி சுற்றுச்சூழல் அமைப்பை உருவாக்கும் தேசிய நடவடிக்கையான நமஸ்தே திட்டம் (NAMASTE) செயல்படுத்தப்படுகிறது.
• ஜனவரி 2024 முதல் அக்டோபர் 2024 வரையிலான காலகட்டத்தில், தூய்மைப்பணியாளர்கள் தொடர்பான மொத்தம் 860 குறைகள் / புகார்கள் தீர்க்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.
• பிச்சை எடுக்கும் நபர்களின் நலனுக்கான முயற்சியாக ஸ்மைல் திட்டம் செயல்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. இது பிச்சை எடுப்பதில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ள நபர்களின் விரிவான மறுவாழ்வை நோக்கமாகக் கொண்டுள்ளது.
• திருநங்கைகளுக்கு சம வாய்ப்புகள் கிடைப்பதை உறுதி செய்வதற்காக திருநங்கைகளுக்கான சம வாய்ப்புகள் கொள்கை வெளியிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

h3>ENGLISH

INITIATIVES FOR THE WELFARE OF SCHEDULED CASTE

1. Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship

• D/o SJ&E implements two Centrally Sponsored Scholarships Schemes viz. (i) Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others; and (ii) Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC Students (PMS-SC), through the State Governments/ UT Administrations.

Achievement under the scheme

• During the year 2024 to till 31.10.2024, a total of 41,32,000 beneficiaries have been released scholarship amounting to Rs. 4965.45 Cr under Post-Matric scholarship scheme for SC students;
• During the year 2024 to till 31.10.2024, a total of 18,72,000 beneficiaries have been released scholarship amounting to Rs. 437.8 Cr under Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme for SC students

2. Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) - SC

• SHREYAS-SC consists of four Sub-schemes viz. Free coaching scheme for SCs and OBCs, Top Class Education for SCs, National overseas Scholarship Scheme for SCs etc. and National Fellowship for SCs.

3. Top Class Scholarship for SC Students (TCS)

• Under this scheme, scholarships are provided to SC students for pursuing studies beyond the 12th class. The scheme supports talented students studying at 266 top-class premier institutions in the country. 30% of the slots allotted to the institution are reserved for eligible SC girl students based on their inter-se merit.

Achievement under the scheme

• During the year 2024 to till date, a total of 4563 SC beneficiaries have been released scholarship amounting to Rs. 93.77 Cr.

4. Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students

• The objective of this scheme is to provide good-quality coaching to economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to help them appear in competitive and entrance examinations. 
• Since 2023-24, the scheme is being run by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), the Central Nodal Agency, through the Dr. Ambedkar Centre for Excellence (DACE) established in 19 empaneled Central Universities.

Achievement under the scheme

• During the year 2024 to till date, a total of 1437 SC beneficiaries have been released scholarship amounting to Rs. 13.71 Cr.

5. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme for SC and other Candidates

• Under the NOS, financial assistance is provided to low-income students belonging to the SCs (115 slots), De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (6 slots), Landless Agricultural Labourers (4 slots), and Traditional Artisans categories to pursue higher education, such as a Master’s degree or Ph.D. course, abroad. 30% of the scholarships for each selection year are earmarked for female candidates.

Achievement under the scheme

• During the year 2024 to till date, a total of 80 SC beneficiaries have been released scholarships amounting to Rs. 56.29 Cr.

6. National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)

• Under this scheme, fellowships are provided to SC students pursuing higher education leading to Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences in Indian Universities, Institutions, and Colleges recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). 
• The scheme provides 2000 new slots every year (500 for the science stream and 1500 for Humanities and Social Sciences) for SC students who have qualified the National Eligibility Test - Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC or UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF joint test.

Achievement under the scheme

• During the year 2024 to till date, a total of 4132 SC beneficiaries have been released scholarships amounting to Rs. 197.61 Cr.

7. Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA)

• The Department has been implementing SRESHTA to enhance the reach of education through the efforts of grant-in-aid institutions (run by NGOs) and residential high schools offering high quality education; socio economic upliftment and overall development of the SCs. The scheme is being implemented in two modes.
• In Mode-I, each year a specified number (3000) of meritorious SC students in States/UTs are selected through the National Entrance Test for SRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and admitted in the best private residential schools affiliated by CBSE/State Boards in classes 9th and 1lth.
• In Mode-2, financial assistance is provided to the NGOs for running the schools/hostel projects related to the Education sector to SC students. The Scheme broadly covers 3 types of projects namely (i) Residential Schools (ii) Non- Residential Schools and (iii) Hostels, both for Primary and Secondary Students.
• Under this scheme, total 2961 students have been selected for admission in 142 Private Residential Schools affiliated by CBSE/State Boards for academic session 2024-25 and school fee of an amount of Rs. 64.00 Cr is reimbursed by the Department.

Achievement under the scheme

• During F.Y. 2024-25, till 01.12.2024, Rs. 64.00 Lakh has been released to 5269 students under Mode-I and Rs. 10.16 Lakh has been released to 248 students under Mode-II.
• 2942 students carry forward from selected during 2023-24, 2022-23 and 2021-2022 in Mode-I

8. Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)

• The Department under PM-AJAY merged three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes, namely, Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) in 2021-22 with an aim to reduce poverty of the SC communities by generation of additional employment opportunities through skill development, income generating schemes and other initiatives; and to improve socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite services in the SC dominated villages. The Scheme has now the following three components
• Development of SC dominated villages into an ‘Adarsh Gram’
• Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects for socio-economic betterment of SCs
• Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions

Achievement under the scheme

• 'Adarsh Gram' Component: Since 01.01.2024, a total of 3802 Village Development Plans (VPDs) have been generated and 5051 villages have been declared Adarsh Gram. A total fund of Rs. 402.14 Cr. has been released to States/ UTs.
• ‘Grants-in-Aid’ component: Since 01.01.2024, a total of 1655 projects have been approved and sanctioned benefitting a total number of 3,05,842 beneficiaries. During the period, a total fund of Rs. 215.32 Cr. has been released to the State Governments/ UTs.
• 'Hostel' component: Since 01.01.2024, Rs. 26.31 Cr. has been released for construction of 19 girls’ hostels and 19 boys’ hostels.

9. Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and The Scheduled Castes and The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme to provide admissible Central Assistance to States/UTs for effective implementation of the above Acts, mainly for:
• Functioning and strengthening of the SCs and STs Protection Cell and Special Police Station;
• Strengthening and Enforcement of Judicial Machinery;
• Relief and Rehabilitation of the atrocity victims/dependents;
• Incentive for Inter-Caste Marriages, where one of the spouses is a member of a Scheduled Caste;
• Awareness generation/ publicity.

Achievement under the Scheme/Act

• Central Assistance released under the demand-driven scheme from 01.01.2024 to 09.12.2024, is Rs. 512.83 Crore.
• The DoSJE signed an MoU with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) for awareness generation of the Acts, Rules and schemes of this department inter-alia, for the awareness of the provisions of the PCR Act, 1955, the SC/ST(PoA) Act, 1989 and the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the implementation of these Acts.

10. National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)

• Self-Employment Loan Scheme: Total Disbursement of Rs. 165.79 Cr to 12,240 Beneficiaries.         
• National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Castes (NFSC): Rs. 104.24 Cr released to 3,698 candidates.
• Cluster Development: 676 SC weavers were identified in a Baseline survey by NSFDC, engaged in making of Chanderi sarees at Village: Nayapura, Jugyanapura, Basiapur and Pranpur, Block: Chanderi, Distt.: Ashok Nagar, Madhya Pradesh. 
• As per the outcomes/conclusions of the survey, it is proposed to provide Bengaluru jacquard and Frame Loom to 300 weavers in place of Pit Looms. The proposal has been submitted to the O/o DC (Handlooms) under NHDP scheme requesting sanction of Rs. 1.98 crore including lightning unit to 76 weavers. 
• The DC (Handloom) sanctioned the project on 14.06.2024, the State Level Project Committee (SLPC) meeting regarding it was held on 30.07.2024 at Madhya Pradesh Handloom Directorate, Head Office, Bhopal and an advertisement for the Designer and CDE was published in a local newspaper of Madhya Pradesh on 14.10.2024.

11. NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES (NCSC)

• e-Grievance Management Portal (e-GMP): 24x7 grievance redressal platform by NCSC, with real-time tracking of complaints, as part of the Digital India Programme. 
• Over 38,000 complaints have been registered since its inception. During the financial year 2024-2025 (up to November 2024), the NCSC received 15,137 complaints through the eGMP platform. 
• In the same period, 12,394 notices were issued, and 6,559 replies were received online from external authorities, highlighting the portal's effectiveness and widespread adoption.
• During the year 2024-25, the Commission conducted reviews of Public Sector Undertakings/ Public Sector Banks viz. Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, NABARD, Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., Union Bank of India, to evaluate implementation of the Reservation Policy & implementation of the various schemes for SC welfare.
• Interaction Programme on the occasion of Constitution Day organized on 26th November, 2024 with National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) and National Commission for Minorities (NCM) to discuss the common issues related to the functioning of the Commissions and to effectively fulfil the mandate assigned to them.

12. VENTURE CAPITAL FUND FOR SCHEDULED CASTES (VCF-SC)

• Union Budget 2014-15 introduced the establishment of a VCF to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes (SCs), by providing concessional finance to SC entrepreneurs. IFCI manages the fund, which was launched on 16.01.2015, with a total corpus of ₹750 Cr. Assistance ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹15 crore, with a concessional interest rate of 4% p.a. (3.75% for women and Divyang SC entrepreneurs).

13. AMBEDKAR SOCIAL INNOVATION AND INCUBATION MISSION (ASIIM)

• Launched on 30.09.2020, under VCF-SC, ASIIM promotes innovation among SC students, researchers, and those working with technology business incubators and Atal Incubation Centers. The scheme aligns with the 'Stand Up India' initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Fund assistance up to ₹30 lakh is provided to youth beneficiaries.

h3>INITIATIVES FOR THE WELFARE OF BACKWARD CLASSES

• PM-YASASVI and SHREYAS are the two umbrella schemes for welfare of Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Class (EBC) & De-Notified Tribes (DNT) students and one Scheme for DNTs.
• Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment presided over the foundation ceremony for construction of 2 Hostels in Manipur (100-seater each for OBC Boys & Girls) and inauguration of 6 Hostels with 746 seats in other States across the country, on 28.02.2024.

Achievement under PM-YASASVI and SHREYAS

• Under Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC & DNT students Rs. 21,857 lakhs have been released from 01.01.2024 to 09.12.2024 and no. of beneficiaries are 26.03 lakh for 2023-24 and beneficiaries for 2024-25 will be reported by States/UTs with subsequent year's proposal.
• Under Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC & DNT students Rs. 99,287 lakhs have been released from 01.01.2024 to 09.12.2024 and no. of beneficiaries are 32.73 lakh for 2023-24 and beneficiaries for 2024-25 will be reported by States/UTs with subsequent year's proposal.
• Under Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls Rs. 859 lakhs have been released from 01.01.2024 to 09.12.2024 for 400 Seats.
• Under Central Sector Scheme of Top-Class Education in Schools for OBC, EBC and DNT students Rs. 661 lakhs have been released during 2023-24 benefiting 3177 students.
• Under Central Sector Scheme of Top-Class Education in College for OBC, EBC and DNT students Rs. 12,405 lakhs have been released during 2023-24 benefiting 5781 students.
• Under Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy for Overseas Studies for OBC/EBC students Rs. 3,748 lakhs have been released for 2752 students in 2023-24.
• Under National Fellowship for OBC students Rs. 9,302 lakhs have been released for 2009 beneficiaries (upto December 2024).

1. National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

• Lending Schemes: The Corporation has rationalized its schemes into two categories—Individual Loan and Group Loan—from the current financial year to facilitate clearer communication. 
• The Corporation has released Rs. 455.77 Cr for assisting 63,014 beneficiaries from January to November, 2024. Cumulatively, NBCFDC has released Rs. 7,408.75 Crore for assisting more than 32.69 Lakh beneficiaries since inception.
• PM-SURAJ Portal: PM-SURAJ PORTAL (https://pmsuraj.dosje.gov.in/), launched by the Prime Minister on 13.03.2024, aims to consolidate and streamline economic empowerment initiatives under a single digital platform. 
• It integrates various loan schemes, making it a comprehensive solution for economic upliftment. To bring in transparency and broaden its reach to the target groups in remote areas, a tie-up arrangement with Common Service Centers (CSCs) has been made.

2. Traditional Artisans’ Upliftment Livelihood Promotion Programme (TULIP)

• Union Minister for SJ&E launched the TULIP Brand on 05.11.2024 for marketing and promotion of products of our artisans to facilitate broader consumer engagement, enhancing artisans’ income potential and market visibility. 
• The activities planned under TULIP are Marketplace On-boarding such as on Amazon, Filpkart, Meesho and Jiomart, Warehousing & Fulfilment by tie-up with logistics provide (Delivery, Xpress Bees, Ecom Express) for efficient inventory management and delivery, International Marketplace On-boarding on Amazon Global, eBay and Etsy to target international consumers, Payment and Shipping Solutions, Website Localization, Website Development etc. 
• The launch of TULIP products in the domestic marketplaces will be completed by January 2025. Further scheme details can be accessed via website https://pmsuraj.dosje.gov.in/.

3. National Fellowship for OBC (NFOBC)

• The scheme aims at providing financial assistance to the OBC Students in obtaining quality higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil. and Ph.D. in University, Research Institutions and Scientific Institutions. 
• There are 1000 slots per year, 750 for Humanities/Social Sciences and 250 for Science and 5% of the total seats are reserved for PWD candidates. The revised rate of fellowship for JRF level is Rs. 37,000/- per month and for SRF level it is Rs. 42,000/- per month, besides HRA & contingency amount w.e.f. 01.01.2023. NBCFDC has so far received funds of Rs.93.21 Cr. from MoSJE, the same has been utilised for disbursement of fellowship to 2288 scholars.

4. Skill Development Initiatives

• MoSJE launched Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojna from 2020-21 and NBCFDC has been implementing skill training programmes under the scheme from 2020-21 for the target group belonging to OBCs with annual family income below Rs. 3 lakhs, EBCs with annual family income below Rs. 1 lakh and DNTs. The Corporation has allocated Rs. 366.31 Cr for 2,08,903 trainees under Skill Development Training and PM-DAKSH Yojana from 2014-15 to 2023-24.

5. Registration on Social Stock Exchange

• The Corporation has recently registered with the National Stock Exchange – Social Stock Exchange (NSE-SSE) as well as on Bombay Stock Exchange – Social Stock Exchange (BSE-SSE) to enhance community transformation through expanded donation sources. 
• The Corporation is in the process of preparing a Fund-Raising Document and the same shall be uploaded along with the listing of the Project on the Exchange. These Social Impact funds can be contributed by individual philanthropists, group donors such as families, and corporates from around the world.

6. Venture Capital Fund for Backward Classes (VCF-BC)

• Initiated on 01.10.2019, this scheme mirrors the VCF-SC, for promoting entrepreneurship among the Backward Classes (BCs). The total corpus is ₹176.74 Crore, and assistance ranges from ₹20 lakh to ₹15 crore, with a 6% interest rate.

7. VISVAS

• VISVAS Yojana is an initiative of the department to support livelihood activities for marginalized SC, OBC, and Safai Karamcharis (including manual scavengers and waste pickers) with a 5% interest subvention on income-generating loans. 
• Individual and SHG loanees (with at least 70% target group members) with standard accounts in PSBs, RRBs, private banks, small finance banks, and similar institutions are eligible for this benefit. 
• All subvention claims from lending institutions are processed via the PM SURAJ portal. This includes, apart from VISVAS, the lending schemes of Corporations and the Venture Capital Fund.
• The scheme is being implemented by the three Corporations under the administrative control of D/o SJ&E, namely National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

Implementation

• VISVAS will run from 2024-25 to 2025-26, leveraging convergence with existing programs like MUDRA, NRLM, and PRAYAAS of SIDBI.
• NSFDC has started implementing the Interest Subvention Scheme of VISVAS through its Banking Channel Partners.  
• The target of NSFDC for this year is to cover 3.13 Lakh SC beneficiaries, against which the Corporation has received claims of 1.67 Lakh beneficiaries in VISVAS Portal.
• 7.36 lakhs OBC beneficiaries are to be covered under the scheme, out of which 6.41 lakh beneficiaries have already been enrolled in the scheme and will start receiving subvention benefits soon.  
• NSKFDC has signed Memoranda of Agreement (MoA) and Addendums with 44 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to facilitate the implementation of the scheme across India.
• Budget & Beneficiaries: A total budget of Rs. 251 Cr is allocated for 2024-25 and 2025-26, targeting 15 lakh beneficiaries.

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF DNTs

1. Constitution of Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC)

• DWBDNC constituted vide Gazette Notification dated 21st February, 2019 for the objectives including to formulate, implement, review Welfare and Development programmes, as required for DNT communities, after identifying gaps in accessing existing programmes and entitlements.

2. Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED)

• DWBDNC is implementing a scheme namely, Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED), launched on 16.02.2022. The scheme has four components namely:
• To provide coaching of good quality for DNT candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations.
• To provide health insurance to DNT Communities.
• To facilitate livelihoods initiative at community level to build and strengthen small clusters of DNT/NT/SNT Communities institutions.
• To provide financial assistance for construction of houses to members of the DNT Communities.

Achievement under the scheme

• A total number of 3500 Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been planned in 8 States namely, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu for creating and promoting livelihood activities under SEED. Out of the planned SHGs, 1368 SHGs have been formed in five States benefiting 13,884 beneficiaries.
• The project is sanctioned for 600 SHGs @ 300 SHGs in the states of Andhra Pradesh & Maharashtra and an amount of Rs. 600 lakhs was released as advance by the DNT Board in the month of March 2024.
• The project is being implemented in 12 districts @ 6 districts per State.  Against the sanction, as on date, 498 SHGs have been formed, 5820 beneficiaries and an amount of Rs.16.68 lakhs have been released to NSFDC implementing partners.
• NBCFDC has formed 915 SHGs in Gujarat (612), Haryana (232) and Rajasthan (71). Further, formation of SHGs in Madhya Pradesh is in process.
• Two Central Universities implementing it and 55 eligible DNT students are getting the benefit. An experienced agency has been engaged for shortlisting students for coaching of those examinations for which qualifying condition is class 12th pass. So far, the agency has shortlisted around 350 eligible DNT students in this program.
• As a pilot project, the Ministry has approved for facilitation of 50000 Ayushman Cards in two states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. In this pilot project so far, 9005 Ayushman Cards (8000 in Gujarat and 1005 in Maharashtra) have been facilitated to the eligible DNT beneficiaries. 
• NBCFDC is also implementing the Health Component of SEED Scheme by issuing Ayushman Cards (25000 each in the States of Gujarat and Maharashtra.)
• M/o Rural Development has been requested for including DNT communities in their revised PMAY scheme. In this regard, many states having substantial DNT populations have been requested to share their list of eligible DNT persons for taking targeted benefits.

INITIATIVES FOR THE WELFARE OF SAFAI KARAMCHARIS

1. National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)

• A Central Sector Scheme, implemented from FY 2023-24 as a joint initiative of the M/o SJ&E and the MoHUA. The scheme envisages safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India by providing sustainable livelihood. 
• Components of erstwhile Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) have been subsumed in NAMASTE scheme from 2023-24. Further, waste pickers have been added as a target group under NAMASTE in FY 2024-25.

Achievement under the scheme

• 2 States have started profiling of SSWs in the current financial year towards the implementation of NAMASTE (32 out of 36 States/UTs have started profiling).
• 21,172 sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs) have been profiled.
• 13,203 PPE kits to SSWs, 43 Safety Devices Kit for Emergency Response Units have been supplied through central procurement.
• 337 workshops have been conducted in this FY on Prevention of Hazardous Cleaning of Sewer and Septic Tanks in Municipal Corporation/Municipality/Nagar Palika and other such organizations engaging Sewer and septic tank cleaning workers.
• During two surveys conducted by the M/o SJ&E in the year 2013 and 2018 for identification of manual scavengers, 58,098 manual scavengers have been identified. The achievements under the Scheme for FY 2024-25 are as under:
• Capital Subsidy up to Rs. 5.00 lakh for Self-Employment Projects provided for 35 beneficiaries.
• 90 sanitation workers/dependants provided capital subsidy for sanitation related projects.
• New initiative: Waste Pickers have been included as an additional target group along with sewer septic tank workers under NAMASTE scheme with the following key interventions:
• Profiling of 2,50,000 waste pickers during 2024-25 and 2025-26.
• Occupational safety training on occupational hazards and safe handling.
• Provision of PPE kits to waste pickers.
• Health Insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY.
• Capital subsidy up to Rs. 5.00 lakh for Waste Collection Vehicles for Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCC) to Waste pickers.

2. National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

• During 01.01.2024 – 05.12.2024, NSKFDC has sanctioned and released concessional loans amounting Rs. 242.66 Cr for covering 40,942 beneficiaries. Out of above, Rs.239.69 Crore has been disbursed for covering 40,803 women beneficiaries under Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) and Mahila Adhikarita Yojana (MAY) of NSKFDC.

3. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

• NCSK has continued efforts for ensuring the dignity, observance of the rights and welfare of the sanitation workers through meetings at State level and follow up communications emphasising on the following:
• Relevant provisions of M. S. Act, 2013 be invoked in FIRs registered in sewer/septic tank death cases, investigation & trial should be fast tracked.
• Mechanization of sewer/septic tank cleaning be made on war footing in order to stop loss of valuable human life during such cleaning.
• Compensation be paid in the light of the Supreme Court judgment dated 27.03.2014 and 20.10.2023 and keeping in view the humanitarian aspect of the level of financial and social suffering of the families of the deceased. 
• Compensation be paid in terms of the Supreme Court judgment over and above any payment made in pursuance of any other act/rule/guideline.
• Cases where legal heirs are not traceable, advertisement be made at least three times in one local and one national newspaper. Where partial payment had already been made, the details of the legal heirs might be ascertained from the bank account or payment voucher of the legal heirs.
• State Level Monitoring Committee meetings as well as District Vigilance Committee meetings need to be convened in the States in terms of M. S. Act, 2013
• 140 D.O. Letters have been sent at various levels in the State including the Chief Secretaries of the states for expeditious payment of compensation, implementation of various provisions of M. S. Act, 2013 and for disposal of grievance petitions of Safai Karamcharis.
• This year, full payment of Compensation has been made in 35 cases of sewer death cases. Out of these 35 cases, 5 cases are those where death had occurred during the period 2016-2020 and in remaining 30 cases are those where death took place during 2021-2024.
• Immediate payment of compensation to the tune of Rs. 30 lakhs each was made to the legal heirs of the deceased where death had also occurred during the year 2024 (January onwards), in a total of 19 cases.
• The commission is also taking up the issue of rehabilitation of families in case of sewer death as well compensation in case of disability (permanent/partial) as per the directions of Supreme court with the State/UT administration and status of FIR/ cases in sewer death cases.
• Four death cases were closed since legal heirs could not be located in spite of best efforts made by the state authorities.
• The States have now started implementing the advice for opening budget and allocating funds for the specific purpose of payment of compensation in sewer death cases.
• Several State Level Monitoring Committee meetings as well as District Vigilance Committee meetings have been held in various states.
• During the period starting from January, 2024 to October, 2024, a total of 860 grievances/complaints/representations pertaining to Safai Karamcharis were processed by the R&D Section of the Commission.
• A lot of awareness has been generated among civil and police officials regarding Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Judgment of 2014 & 2023.
• In many bereavement cases, especially in Southern States, the families of deceased individuals were offered government jobs as a form of support and rehabilitation. This practice helped to provide stability and livelihood to the surviving family members.
• The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and other Members of the Commission visited various States across the country to assess the implementation of the MS Act 2013. During these visits, they provided directions to local authorities to address and resolve operational issues, including employee transfers, promotions. Working conditions and compensation-related matters. These directions were followed in a substantial number of cases.   

4. Skilling of SC, OBC and Safi Karamcharis under PM-DAKSH

• PM-DAKSH Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme, was launched during 2020-21. The main objective of the scheme is to enhance competency level of the target groups (SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers etc. to make them employable both in self- employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development.

Achievement under the scheme

• For 2023-24, a total of 80,185 trainees have been provided training under PM-DAKSH Scheme through 112 empanelled training institutes.
• For FY 2024-25, the training is yet to commence pending finalization of the empanelment process of training institutes and other formalities, after which funds will be disbursed to respective training institutions.
• The initiatives that have been taken for better implementation of the scheme include introduction of NSQF aligned courses, giving priority to mandatory provision of on-the-job training component in the skill course, adoption of skill ecosystem of MSDE, better monitoring system, increase of ceiling income limit of Economically Weaker beneficiaries from 1.00 lakhs to 3.00 lakhs etc.