The Government of Tripura has implemented several welfare schemes aimed at the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes (SC) in the state. These initiatives encompass educational support, economic empowerment, and social welfare programs.
Key schemes include
1. Educational Development:
Pre-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (State Scheme): SC students from Classes VI to VIII receive a scholarship of ₹40 per month for ten months each year. During the 2018-19 and 2019-20 academic years, a total of 44,962 students benefited from this scheme.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Award: This state-funded award recognizes SC students who achieve 60% or above in their annual examinations. The award amounts are ₹400 for Classes VI to VIII, ₹700 for Class IX, and ₹1,500 for Madhyamik and Higher Secondary stages. Additionally, SC students securing positions from 1st to 10th in the Madhyamik and Higher Secondary examinations conducted by the Tripura Board of Secondary Education receive a cash award of ₹25,000, a gold medal, and a commendation certificate. Between 2018-19 and 2019-20, 16,316 students were honored under this scheme.
Sponsorship for Nursing & Paramedical Courses: The government sponsors SC students for courses such as B.Sc. Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed), and other paramedical courses both within and outside the state. In the 2018-19 academic year, 141 students were sponsored, and in 2019-20, 109 students benefited from this initiative.
Post-Matric Scholarship for SC Students (Centrally Sponsored Scheme): SC students pursuing studies from Class XI to postgraduate levels, including professional courses like MBBS, Engineering, and Agriculture, are eligible for this scholarship. The scheme benefits students whose parental annual income does not exceed ₹2.5 lakhs. Over the academic years 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21, a total of 35,241 students availed themselves of this scholarship.
2. Economic Development:
- Assistance to Scheduled Castes Development Corporations (SCDCs): The government provides share capital contributions to SCDCs to promote the economic development of SC communities. These corporations also cater to the needs of other marginalized sections, including Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minorities.
3. Social Welfare:
- National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE): This initiative aims to eliminate manual scavenging and promote mechanized sanitation practices, ensuring the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
FAQs
What are the major welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes (SC) in Tripura?
The Government of Tripura implements several welfare schemes for SCs, including:
- Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships for SC students
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Award for meritorious students
- Sponsorship for Nursing & Paramedical Courses
- Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) for village development
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMGAY) for housing support
- Economic empowerment programs like land allotment and self-employment schemes
What economic support is available for SC entrepreneurs?
SCs can avail of loans and grants from the Scheduled Castes Development Corporations (SCDCs) for business and self-employment. The government also provides land to landless SC families.