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Two Dr. Ambedkar Foundation schemes — for social integration through inter-caste marriages and for relief to SC/ST victims of atrocities — were merged with a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with effect from 31 March 2023, to avoid duplication.
They were merged into the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
A special initiative to clear the resulting backlog released inter-caste marriage incentives in 385 cases, amounting to approximately ₹9 crore.
Set up to carry forward Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's message of social justice, running educational, cultural and welfare initiatives for marginalised communities. It was established following the recommendations of the Centenary Celebrations Committee formed for Ambedkar's 100th birth anniversary in 1991.
The department whose Centrally Sponsored Scheme now absorbs the two merged schemes
Gives effect to the abolition of untouchability, which Article 17 of the Constitution declares and forbids in any form. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme funds its implementation by states.
Provides for special courts and specific offences against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; the same Centrally Sponsored Scheme funds its implementation.
Abolishes untouchability and forbids its practice in any form, making its enforcement an offence punishable by law.
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme is one designed by the Centre but implemented by states, with the Centre providing assistance and the states carrying the responsibility for delivery. Where a foundation or an autonomous body runs a small scheme covering the same beneficiaries as a larger CSS, the same person can end up eligible under two windows with two sets of paperwork and two sanctioning authorities — the duplication the release cites as the reason for the merger. Merging consolidates the funding line and the delivery channel, but it creates a transitional problem: applications already in the pipeline under the older scheme must still be settled, which is what the special backlog initiative addressed by releasing incentives in 385 inter-caste marriage cases.
Simple Analogy: Two counters serving the same queue are merged into one. The queue moves better afterwards, but the tokens already issued at the closed counter still have to be honoured.
GS Paper 2 > Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections and mechanisms for their protection
General Awareness > Government schemes and social justice
General Awareness > Government schemes
A scheme designed by the Centre but implemented by state governments and UT administrations with central assistance.
A parliamentary question for which a written answer is given and no supplementary questions are permitted, unlike a starred question.
A scheme providing incentives to inter-caste couples where one spouse belongs to a Scheduled Caste, aimed at promoting social integration.