There is a serious problem when it comes to both allocation and implementation of schemes for SC/ST development.
People who fall under Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) groups constitute 25% of India’s total population. As we approach NDA 2.0’s first budget announcement, it is crucial to examine the policy and practice of its SC/ST budgets over the last five years.
It is well established that both groups of people have been excluded from socio-economic opportunities available to others, which has in part caused their marginalisation. The caste system and practice of untouchability not only created an ecosystem of accepted inequality, but also played a vital role in pushing them to the bottom rung on the human development index.
When we talk of SC/ST budgeting, therefore, it is important to understand the development gap and the sub-plans that were created to bridge this divide.
According to the 2017 multidimensional poverty index report, the poverty ratio was 41.30% for SC/ST groups in 2011. However, according to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the percentage of SCs classifying as below poverty line in rural areas was 31.5% in 2011-12, as against 15.5% of other communities. In urban areas in 2011-12, it was 21.7% versus 8.2% for other communities.
According to the Tendulkar Committee, the monthly per capita expenditure was Rs 1,252 in rural areas and Rs 2,028 in urban areas.
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