The Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages and the Dr. Ambedkar National Relief to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Victims of Atrocities Scheme were merged with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment with effect from March 31, 2023, to avoid duplication in the implementation of schemes.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale shared these details in reply to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2052 regarding welfare schemes under the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation. The House was informed that the two schemes were merged with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

As the aforesaid schemes of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation were merged with effect from March 31, 2023, the question of state-wise pending applications under these categories during the last three years does not arise.

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the Implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, Central assistance is provided to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The scheme is implemented by the respective State Governments and UT Administrations, and the responsibility for its effective implementation rests with them.

The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation has also undertaken a special initiative to address pending backlog cases arising from the merger of the above-mentioned schemes. As part of this initiative, incentives under the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages were released in 385 cases, amounting to approximately ₹9 crore.

The Government continues to take measures to ensure effective implementation of welfare initiatives aimed at promoting social integration and providing relief and assistance to eligible beneficiaries.

PR-60-TAR-KV-GA