Social Service

Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, other Backward Classes and Minorities

The Scheduled Caste population of Kerala is 30,39,573 persons as per 2011 Population Census constituting 9.10 per cent of the total population of the State. According to the amendment to the constitution in 2006, there are 53 communities among the Scheduled Caste. The settlement pattern of Scheduled Caste in the state is entirely different from other parts in the country. Major share of the Scheduled Caste in the state live as scattered along with other people. The highest distribution of Scheduled Caste is in the Palakkad District (13.29 per cent) followed by Thiruvananthapuram (12.27 per cent), Kollam (10.80 per cent), Thrissur (10.67 per cent) and Malappuram (10.14 per cent). These five districts accommodate 57.17 per cent of the total Scheduled Caste in the state. In Palakkad District 14.37 per cent of the total population is Scheduled Caste. In Pathanamthitta the representation is 13.74 per cent. In the districts like Idukki, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, the population of Scheduled Caste is more than 10 per cent of the total population. The Vedar, Vettuvan, Nayadi, Kalladi, Arundhathiyar/ Chakkiliar are the vulnerable communities among Scheduled Caste. They constitute 3.65 per cent of the SC population in the State.

The Scheduled Tribe population of Kerala is 4,84,839 persons constituting 1.45 per cent of the total population of the State (3.338 crore) as per 2011 Census. There has been an increase of 0.63 per cent as compared to 2001 population census. Sex ratio of Scheduled Tribe population in Kerala is 1035. A comparative picture regarding literacy and sex ratio of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population in Kerala with national level is furnished in Appendix 4.95.

The Scheduled Tribes in Kerala are not only geographically concentrated, but are overwhelmingly rural. Highest concentration of Scheduled Tribes is seen in Wayanad District (31.24 per cent) followed by Idukki (11.51 per cent), Palakkad (10.10 per cent) and Kasaragod (10.08 per cent).These four districts together account for 62.93 per cent of Scheduled Tribes in the State. The coastal district of Alappuzha has the lowest percentage (1.36 per cent). District wise Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe population details are given in Appendix 4.96 and Appendix 4.97.

As per Census of India 2011 (Appendix 4.98) Scheduled Caste households in Kerala have much greater access to banking services, landline phones, computers with internet and car than an average Scheduled Caste household in India. Compared to other southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, only SC households in Tamil Nadu have greater access to televisions than those in Kerala. SC households in Kerala do not seem to have as much access to two wheelers as other SC households in India. While more than 22 per cent of SC households in India did not have access to any of these assets, Kerala performed better with only around 11 per cent of SC households being deprived of these assets.

Similarly in the case of Scheduled Tribes, households in Kerala have much greater access to banking services, television, computer with internet, land line and car than an average Scheduled Tribe household in India (Appendix 4.99). Compared to other southern states, only Scheduled Tribe households in Tamil Nadu have greater access to televisions, computer with internet, landline phones and car than Kerala. Scheduled Tribe households in Kerala do not seem to have as much access to two wheelers as other Scheduled Tribe households in India. While more than 37 per cent of Scheduled Tribe households in India did not have access to any of these assets, Kerala performed better with only around 24 per cent of Scheduled Tribe household being deprived of these assets.

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households in Kerala have a better standard of living than their counterparts in the rest of the country in general. However Tamil Nadu has shown an even better standard of living for Scheduled Tribe households than Kerala.

Occupational Pattern

Decadal growth rate of Kerala’s population as per Census 2011 Population Census was all time low of 4.9 per cent. The work participation rate shows an increasing trend during the decade (2001-11). The proportion of main workers is more than that of marginal workers in all cases. Especially the female main workers have considerably increased from 19.90 per cent in 2001 to 22.71 per cent in 2011 in the case of ST population. In respect of SCs same has increased from 18.51 per cent to 19.59 per cent during this period. The percentage of main workers engaged in household industry shows a decreasing trend. The category of main workers shows that 29.90 per cent of SCs and 59.49 per cent of STs are doing agricultural labour where as in the case of general population it is only 14.18 per cent. Details of occupational pattern is shown in Appendix 4.100.

In Kerala, as per Rule 14(a) of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules 1958, 10 per cent representation (8 per cent for SCs and 2 per cent for STs) is reserved to Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in Gazatted, Non-Gazatted and Last Grade Categories in Government Departments. The Scheduled Castes have already got a benefit of more than 8 per cent reservation in all the three categories. But in the case of Scheduled Tribe candidates it can be said that they are nearing the required 2 per cent reservation in State service on a faster pace. The total representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in public service is 13.25 per cent during 2015 (Data is based on the furnished review report from General Administration (employment-cell) Department, review of 51 out of 83 departments were only completed as on January 1, 2016. Details of representation of SC/ST employees in Government service is given in Appendix 4.101.

Development Programmes for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes

Kerala Government earmarks fund for Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) from State Plan outlay in proportion to the percentage population of Scheduled Caste and allocates fund for Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) more than that of ST population percentage. A two pronged strategy is followed for the development of SC/ST in the State. One is the assistance provided through the LSGs and the other through SC/ST Development Department. Out of the total SCSP/TSP Plan outlay, a certain percentage of funds are allocated to Local Governments for implementation of schemes under decentralized planning and the remaining to the SC/ST Development Department. A system of earmarking certain amount of SCSP/TSP as pooled fund under SCSP and TSP for taking up schemes adopting a project approach was introduced. This gives scope to get wide range of schemes with varied objectives and physical targets, which put together, will help the all-round development of the targeted groups. The total plan provision set apart for the development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes during 2016-17 is 2354.40 crore and 682.80 crore respectively. Year-wise details from 2012-13 onwards are given in Appendix 4.102 and in Figure 4.13.

Figure 4.13
SCSP/TSP-Yearwise Outlay

Source: Budget Documents

Programmes of Scheduled Caste Development Department

Plan fund devolved to Scheduled Caste development has been earmarked as plan allocation to the department and the local governments.Centrally Sponsored Schemes and schemes/projects included in State plan for the development of scheduled caste population are implemented by the Scheduled Caste Development Department. The institutions for the welfare of scheduled castes managed by the department are given in Box 4.16.

Source: SC Development Department

The programmes under SCSP cover a wide area comprising education, economic and social welfare activities for the development of Scheduled Caste. Scheme-wise outlay and expenditure of welfare of Scheduled Caste for 2015-16 and 2016-17 (as on October 31, 2016) and the physical targets and achievements are given in Appendix 4.103 and Appendix 4.104 respectively. Some of the major programmes of SC development department are given in Box 4.17.

Source: SC Development Department

Self-Sufficient Village Scheme, Primary Education Aid, Homoeo Health Centres, Assistance for seeking employment abroad, Cyber-Sri, and Treatment Grant from the Relief Fund of the Minister for Scheduled Caste Development .are other schemes implemented by the Scheduled Caste development department. During 2015-16, 180 persons benefited for seeking employment abroad and 1.65 core was expended. During 2016-17, 254 persons are benefited so far and 0.98 crore was expended (as on October 31, 2016).

Palakkad Medical college-a new initiative

A new medical college was started in Palakkad district under the Scheduled Caste Development Department during 2014-15 and 100 students were admitted as first batch. During 2015-16, 150.00 crore was earmarked for the scheme. During 2016-17, 71 SC students, 4 ST students and 25 general category students were admitted for MBBS course.

Source: SC Development Department

Protection of Civil Rights And Enforcement of Prevention of Atrocities Act

The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is enacted in the Parliament mainly to prevent atrocities against scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The main objective is to free Indian society from blind and irrational adherence to traditional beliefs and to establish a bias free society. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, during 2015-16, 245 cases were registered and an amount of 54.79 lakh has been disbursed as compensation to the victims. Details are given in Appendix 4.109.

Critical Gap Filling (Corpus Fund)

This scheme intends to provide funds for filling critical gap in the SCSP provision made under various schemes on project basis with emphasis on human resource development, basic needs, and economic development . From 2014-15 onwards one third of the outlay has been allocated to districts on population proportion basis. Schemes/projects up to 25 lakh are cleared by the District Level Committee for SC/ST. Project above 25 lakh are cleared by State Level Working Groups/ Special working Groups. Schemes undertaken during 2015-16 are treatment grant, construction of toilets, honorarium to SC promoters, stipend for apprentice clerk cum typist, Vinjanvadi, self employment subsidy, vision 2013, renovation of crematorium,trade fair, and paithrukotsavam . Outlay and expenditure under the scheme from 2011-12 to 2015-16 is given in Appendix 4.110 and the details of schemes taken during 2015-16 are given in Appendix 4.111.

Pooled Fund

Pooled fund is a system of earmarking certain amount of SCSP/TSP as pooled fund under SCSP and TSP. The development departments and agencies furnish projects to State Planning Board for consideration. After vetting by State Planning Board, the proposals are forwarded to Scheduled Caste Development Department for placing before State Level/ Special Working Group for approval. Outlay and expenditure under the scheme from 2011-12 to 2015-16 are given in Appendix 4.112 and in Figure 4.14.

Figure 4.14
Outlay and Expenditure under Pooled fund from 2011-12 to 2015-16

Source: SC Development Department

Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)

The Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan is provided by Government of India to States for undertaking mainly economic development programmes for Scheduled Castes. It is not on a schematic pattern. It helps to fill the gaps which are not met from the Central, State and Local body plans. Out of the total funds received under SCA to SCSP, 75 per cent of the funds are distributed to the District Collectors on the basis of Scheduled Caste population in the districts. The balance 25 per cent is kept with the Director, Scheduled Caste Development. Activities that can be taken up under SCA are to assist Scheduled Caste families for taking up viable income generating activities, through a mix of institutional finance and subsidy. The families may be provided assistance under SCA in a manner similar to those admissible under NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission). The Outlay and Expenditure details of SCA to SCSP from 2011-12 to 2015-16 are given in Appendix 4.113.

Programmes of Scheduled Tribes Development Department

Tribal Sub Plan was a concept introduced for the development of Scheduled Tribe population during the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-75). The objective of the Tribal Sub Plan was to give a special care to Scheduled Tribes through a Sub Plan approach. Since 1983-84, the strategy has undergone changes and it has been decentralised at the district level. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments were coincided in the Ninth Five Year Plan and the local governments have been entrusted with specified responsibilities relating to development and welfare of Scheduled Tribes’.

The Tribal Development Block of Attappady became the first Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) in Kerala (1976). Later six more ITDPs were formed with specific jurisdiction for the betterment of tribal population. The development of Scheduled Tribes outside the ITDPs is now covered by ten Tribal Development Offices (TDOs).

Due to the typical settlement pattern, cultural practices and traditional identities the Scheduled Tribe population are consolidated in clusters and are concentrated in interior forest and adjoining areas. By considering this the strategy of TSP was to protect tribal people and there by attain their development. As per the TSP strategy, the State allocates an amount which is more than proportional to the tribal population (1.45 per cent) in the State. The TSP provision in the budget is for the exclusive development of Scheduled Tribes in the State. During 2015-16, about 3.02 per cent of the state plan outlay was provided under TSP. For the year 2016-17 the percentage allocation to TSP has declined to 2.84 per cent.

The major sources of funds for tribal developments are (i) State Plan allocation, (ii) Funds under TSP components of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) (iii) Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP), Grant under Article 275 (1) of the Constitution, other allocation for schemes implemented by Ministry of Tribal Affairs and (iv) institutional finance.

The expenditure of the Scheduled Tribes Development Department during 2015-16 was 391.27 crore (84.10 per cent) as against the allocation of465.28 crore. The total State plan provision set apart for the development of Scheduled Tribes during 2016-17 was 682.80 crore. Out of this, an amount of 526.80 crore (77.15 per cent) was earmarked to the ST Development Department and an amount of 156.00 crore (22.85 per cent) was provided as grant-in-aid to local governments. For the schemes and programmes with 50 per cent and 100 per cent CSS, the Central share was 20.62 crore and 95.04 crore respectively. In addition to this, 12.00 crore was included as Special Central Assistance to TSP. Details of financial achievements are given in Appendix 4.114 and physical achievements of schemes implemented by the department during 2015-16 and 2016-17 (as on October 31, 2016) are given in Appendix 4.115.

The major schemes implemented by Scheduled Tribes Development Department can be broadly classified as educational programmes, housing, health, socio economic upliftment and legal protection measures. The objectives and achievements of major schemes implemented during 2015-16 and 2016-17 (up to October 31, 2016) are given in Box 4.19.

Source: ST Development Department

Figure 4.15
Housing Programmes undertaken by ST Development Department, iin lakh

* Upto October 31, 2016
Source: ST Development Department

Corpus Fund

An amount of 4924.99 lakh was provided during 2015-16 for undertaking various development activities under the scheme and the amount expended during the period was 941.10 lakh (19.11 per cent). The components of the Corpus fund include self-employment, skill development, water supply and sanitation, communication facilities, foot bridges, technology transfer, improvement of education and health. Statement showing the outlay and expenditure under corpus fund from 2009-10 to 2016-17 (up to October 31, 2016) is given in Appendix 4.124 and Figure 4.16. District wise details during 2016-17 are given in Appendix 4.125.

Figure 4.16
Allocation and Expenditure under Corpus Fund, in in lakh

* Upto October 31, 2016
Source: ST Development Department

Pooled Fund for Special Projects Proposed by Other Departments under TSP

During 2015-16, an amount of 1000 lakh was provided under the scheme Pooled Fund for special projects proposed by other departments. Out of this an amount of 839.00 lakh was allocated for various projects and expended the whole amount. An amount of 1000 lakh is earmarked during 2016-17 and the expenditure incurred (as on October 31, 2016) is 128.58 lakh. The details of schemes under pooled fund taken during 2015-16 and 2016-17 as on October 31, 2016 are given in Appendix 4.126.

ATSP Fund/Special Package

ATSP Fund is a special package in addition to the normal share of TSP to be utilised for the socio-economic betterment of tribal population living in the tribal settlements in the State. During 2014-15 an amount of 150 crore was set apart as ATSP Fund/Special Package as a new initiative for the Integrated Sustainable Development of Scheduled Tribes in the Identified Settlements. Based on the approved DPR of 14 identified settlements an amount of 135.75 crore was allotted. Activities proposed during 2014-15 are continuing and the expenditure as on October 31, 2016 is 37.26 crore. This scheme was continued during 2015-16 also and an amount of 150 crore was earmarked as ATSP Fund by giving more emphasis on infrastructure facilities, economic activities, employment generation, health, education and housing. During 2016-17 also an amount of 150 crore was provided to ATSP Fund. Main focus was given to housing and an amount of 147.13 crore was earmarked. The expenditure incurred is 120.05 crore as on October 31, 2016. The details are given in Appendix 4.127.

Source: ST Development Department

Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (SCA to TSP)

The Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Plan released by Government of India as an addition to State Plan Funds is meant for undertaking employment cum income generation activities and the infrastructure incidental to activities based on family and Self Help Groups. 70 per cent of the fund has been utilized for implementing primary schemes supporting family/SHG/community based income generation activities and 30 per cent used for critical infrastructure in the sectors of drinking water, and watershed management Under the scheme 30 per cent beneficiaries are women. The outlay and expenditure under SCA to TSP during 2009-10 to 2016-17 (up to October 31, 2016) is shown in Appendix 4.128.

Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies for SC/ST

The institute was established in 1970 as Tribal Research and Training Centre (TR and TC) in national pattern, which subsequently got recognized as the Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KIRTADS). The Institute conducts research and intensive study on Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population of the State.

Anthropological investigation on doubtful community cases as requested by Scheduled Tribes Development Department, Scheduled Caste Development Department, Revenue Divisional Officers, Tahsildars and District Collectors has also been undertaken by the wing. Details are given in Appendix 4.129.

The training wing of KIRTADS co-ordinates and conducts a large number of programmes to promote Tribal Development. This wing also conducted many orientation programmes, capacity building programmes, empowerment programmes and educational programmes. The institute also undertakes Adikalagramam programme which includes traditional dance and music of the SC and ST communities of the State. The scheme wise outlay and expenditure of KIRTADS are given in Appendix Appendix 4.130.

Kerala State Development Corporation For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes

The major schemes implemented by the Corporation include agricultural land purchase, micro-credit finance, mini-venture loans, small enterprise loans, housing, educational loan, and marriage assistance. The sources of finance for implementing various schemes are Corporation’s own share capital and assistance from other national refinancing agencies like NSTFDC, NSKFDC and HUDCO.

The scheme-wise details of physical and financial achievements of the Corporation are given in Appendix 4.131.

Welfare of Other Backward Classes

The Backward Communities Development Department started functioning as a separate department in November 2011 to look after the developments of socially and economically backward communities of the society. Though the directorate of this department was created at the end of the financial year 2011-12, it implemented two major educational schemes, Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarships with the help of Scheduled Caste Development Department.

The department has implemented various educational schemes such as Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC and OEC students. During the period, the department started a number of schemes such as employability enhancement programme, overseas scholarship scheme, career in automobile industry, construction of hostels and assistance to traditional occupations. During 2015-16, an amount of 64.85 crore (72 per cent) was expended out of the budget provision of 90 crore. A total amount of 94 crores was earmarked by the State government for the sector during 2016-17, of this 36 crores is State share for CSS. An amounts of 50 crore is anticipated as 100 per cent CSS during 2016-17. The expenditure incurred as on October 31, 2016 is 26.18 crore. The Scheme wise outlay and expenditure and the physical achievements of the department during 2015-16 and 2016-17 (up to October 31, 2016) are given in Appendix 4.132 and Appendix 4.133.

Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation

Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation is acting as a major State level Channelising Agency (SCA) of National Financing agencies, viz., National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). KSBCDC implements their schemes by providing financing assistance at lower rate of interest to the members of backward and minority communities living below the poverty line for their overall development. KSBCDC also implements various welfare schemes by utilizing State government assistance and its own fund reserves. The corporation has disbursed loans worth 27,602.86 lakh during 2015-16 benefiting 29,200 individuals. As on October 31, 2016 an amount of 14,917.93 lakh was distributed among 10,524 individuals during the year 2016-17.

The source-wise expenditure and the physical achievements of the Corporation during 2015-16 and 2016-17(up to October 31, 2016) are given in the Appendix 4.134.

Kerala State Development Corporation for Christian Converts from Scheduled Caste and the Recommended Communities

The main objective of this corporation is to promote social, educational, cultural and economic upliftment and other living conditions of the converted Christians from Scheduled Castes and other recommended communities. The main schemes implemented by the corporation are agricultural land purchase, foreign employment, housing, cash incentive to students, marriage loan, agriculture and allied sector assistance, small business, and educational loan . The source of finance of the corporation is the financial assistance received from state government and the loan assistance from NBCFDC. Details of year wise disbursement of state government assisted loan schemes from 2011-12 to 2016-17 (as on October 31, 2016) are given in Appendix 4.135. The scheme-wise details of physical and financial achievements of the corporation are given in Appendix 4.136.

Welfare of Minorities

The Minority Welfare Department was constituted for addressing the socio- economic and educational backwardness of Minority Communities in the State. An amount of 8829.13 lakh was expended from the budget provision of Rs 8700 lakh during 2015-16. An amount of 8300 lakh was earmarked to the Department during the year 2016-17 for various programmes. The major schemes are Multi Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP) (with 25 per cent state share), housing scheme for divorcees/widows/abandoned women from the minority communities, and drinking water supply scheme in minority concentrated areas .The scheme wise outlay and expenditure and the physical achievements of the department during 2015-16 and 2016-17 (up to October 31, 2016) are given in Appendix 4.137 and Appendix 4.138.

The State Government constituted the State Minority Development Finance Corporation to provide financial assistance to income generating projects, housing finance, educational loans, and vocational training to minority communities. An amount of 1500 lakh has been provided as share capital contribution to the Corporation during 2016-17. The financial and physical achievement of the corporation is given in Appendix 4.139.

Welfare of forward Communities (Sammunathi)

The State Government constituted the State Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities for the comprehensive development of economically backward sections among the forward communities. During 2015-16 an amount of 2057.44 lakh was expended out of the budget provision of 2140 lakh.An amount of. 2440 lakh was earmarked to Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities during the year 2016-17 for various programmes. The major schemes are scholarship, coaching assistance, term loan assistance, skills and entrepreneurship development and renovation of agraharas. The Scheme wise outlay and expenditure and the physical achievements of the Corporation during 2015-16 and 2016-17 (up to October 31, 2016) are given in Appendix 4.140.