The Government of India has been focusing on inclusive growth as reflected in its commitment to Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and has taken various steps to uplift the people living below poverty line in the country. This Department is also implementing various schemes to reduce poverty and ensure socio-economic development of poor and marginalized persons belonging to Scheduled Castes(SCs),Other Backward Classes(OBCs) as well as Senior Citizens, Transgender persons, De-notified Nomadic, Semi-Nomadic communities and Beggars. The schemes include interalia, livelihood and skilling schemes of the Department and its Corporations; various types of scholarships and hostels for educational empowerment; infrastructure development for SCs; homes for senior citizens and transgender persons; financial incentive for inter-caste marriage etc. Further, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 provides punishment for the practice of untouchability and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provides protection from atrocities against the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, including provision for special courts for the trial of such offenses as well as relief and rehabilitation of the victims of atrocities.

An amount of Rs.1042.786 Cr. has been sanctioned to Bihar during last five years for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Other Backward Classes (OBCs)/Economic Backward Classes (EBCs).

This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri A. Narayanaswamy in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MG/RNM/SJ/DP