The details of budgetary allocation under the welfare Schemes, scholarships and social protection programmes for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backwards Classes (OBCs) and senior citizens are at Annexure-I. The enhanced funding on loans have increased access to affordable finance for SCs, OBCs and other vulnerable groups, reduced the effective cost of borrowing and promoted self-employment and income-generating activities. Multiple measures have been taken to improve accessibility and awareness of welfare schemes such as organization of awareness camps, workshops and outreach programmes across States/Union Territories (UTs), use of digital platforms and dedicated portals, and publicity through print, electronic and social media using Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials. Participation in exhibitions, fairs and stakeholder engagements has also been encouraged to widen outreach. In addition, helplines such as Elderline for senior citizens and awareness generation initiatives for persons with disabilities have been strengthened to ensure better access to information and services. Several steps have been taken to ensure efficient utilisation of allocated funds. These include implementation of the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) and SNA-SPARSH fund flow system, adoption of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms, and mandatory submission of Utilization Certificates.
The Ministry undertakes regular monitoring through review meetings, inspections and digital tracking systems. Fund releases are linked to performance and compliance, and third-party evaluations and audits are conducted periodically to ensure transparency, accountability and effective utilization of resources. The enhanced allocations and strengthened implementation mechanisms are expected to significantly improve financial inclusion, expand access to welfare programmes and promote entrepreneurship among target groups. ANNEXURE-I This Annexure referred to in part (a) of LokSabhaUnstarred Question no. 5093 to be answered on 24.03.2026. The details of budgetary allocation under the welfare Schemes, Scholarships and social protection programmes of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment. (Rs. in crore) Sr.No. Programme/Schemes BE 2021-22 BE 2022-23 BE 2023-24 BE 2024-25 BE 2025-26 Schemes for Scheduled Castes 1 Post Matric Scholarship for SCs 3415.62 5660.00 6359.14 6359.98 6360.00 Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) for SCs 2 National Fellowship for SCs 300.00 173.00 163.00 188.00 212.00 3 National Overseas Scholarship for SCs 30.00 36.00 50.00 95.00 130.00 4 Top Class Education for SCs 70.00 108.00 111.00 110.00 110.00 5 Free Coaching for SCs and OBCs 50.00 47.00 47.00 35.00 20.00 Total SHREYAS Scheme 450.00 364.00 371.00 428.00 472.00 PradhanMantriAnusuchitJaatiAbhyudayYojana (PM AJAY) 6 Total PM-AJAY Scheme 1800.00 1950.00 2050.00 2140.00 2140.00 7 Strengthening of machinery for Enforcement of Protection of Civil Right Act 1955 and Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 600.00 600.00 500.00 550.00 463.00 8 Scheme of Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Area (SRESHTA) for SC 200.00 89.00 104.65 133.07 140.00 9 Pre Matric for SCs and Other 725.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 577.96 10 State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations 25.00 0.01 11 Self Employment Scheme of Liberation & Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers 100.00 70.00 97.41 116.94 130.00 12 VISVAS Yojana (SC) 100.00 50.00 0.01 6.01 24.57 13 Venture Capital Funds for SCs 100.00 70.00 70.00 10.00 0.01 14 PradhanMantriDakshtaaurKushaltaSampannHitgrahi 60.00 40.00 43.73 65.00 70.00 Total 7575.62 9393.01 10095.94 10309.00 10377.54 2. Schemes for Social Defence 1 AtalVayoAbhyudayYojana-GBS 300.00 150.00 294.97 260.00 263.73 2 Assistance to Voluntary Agencies for Welfare of Scheduled Castes – Scheduled Caste Welfare Fund 410.14 279.44 289.69 3 National Action Plan on Drug Demand Reduction 260.00 200.00 311.00 314.00 333.00 Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood & Enterprise (SMILE) 4 Integrated Programme for Rehabilitation of Beggars 50.00 15.00 20.00 30.00 30.00 5 Scheme for Tansgender Persons 20.00 30.00 52.91 68.46 76.87 Total 630.00 395.00 678.88 951.90 993.29 3. Schemes for Backward Classes PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM YASASVI) for OBCs, EBCs and DNTs 1 Pre Matric Scholarship for Other Backward Classes, Economically Backward Classes and Denotified Tribes 250.00 478.00 281.00 210.00 300.00 2 Post Matric Scholarship for Other Backward Classes, Economically Backward Classes and Denotified Tribes 1300.00 1083.00 1087.00 921.00 1250.00 3 Boys & Girls Hostels for Other Backward Classes 30.00 20.00 30.00 40.00 40.00 4 Top Class School for Other Backward Classes 100.00 150.00 100.00 5 Top Class College for Other Backward Classes 90.00 515.00 500.00 Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) for OBCs and EBCs 6 Interest Subsidy on Education Loans for Overseas Studies for OBCs and EBCs 30.00 27.00 29.00 25.00 60.00 7 National Fellowship for OBCs and EBCs 100.00 53.00 57.00 55.00 190.13 Other Schemes 8 VISVAS Yojana(OBCs) 50.00 30.00 0.01 4.01 25.70 9 Venture Capital Fund for Backward Classes 20.00 40.00 22.00 40.00 0.01 10 PM DAKSH Yojana OBC Component 40.00 44.00 48.74 65.00 60.00 11 Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNT/NT/SNTs(SEED) 50.00 28.00 40.40 39.40 39.40 Total 1870.00 1803.00 1785.15 2064.41 2565.24 4 Information, Monitoring, Evaluation and Social Audit 25.00 19.50 20.00 10.00 6.11 5 PM Cares 10.00 8.50 8.50 Total of all Schemes of the Department 10100.62 11610.51 12589.97 13343.81 13950.68 This information is given by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment,Shri Ramdas Athawale, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.