• Social Services
• Development of Weaker sections (SC/ST/Minorities)

Social Justice- Development of Weaker sections (SC/ST/Minorities)

Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Minorities and Forward Communities

In India, as per Census 2011, population of SC is 16.6 per cent and ST is 8.6 per cent, together forming a quarter of the total population. The Scheduled Caste population of Kerala is 3,039,573 persons constituting 9.10 per cent of the total population of the State. The Scheduled Tribe population of Kerala is 484,839 persons, constituting 1.45 per cent of the total population of the State. The population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes as a percentage of total population in India and Kerala is given in Table 4.3.17.

The number of Scheduled Castes is highest in 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 together accommodate 57.17 per cent of the total Scheduled Castes in the State. The Scheduled Tribes in Kerala are not only geographically concentrated, but are overwhelmingly rural. The 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). District wise Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe population details are given in Appendix 4.3.10 and Appendix 4.3.11. A comparative picture regarding literacy and sex ratio of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population in Kerala with national level is furnished in Appendix 4.3.12.

The Work Participation Rate of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes is given in Appendix 4.3.13. In Kerala, as per Rule 14 (a) of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules 1958, provision for reservation in appointment has been made for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in Gazetted, Non-Gazetted and Last Grade Categories in Government Departments. As per the Annual review on January 1, 2017, the total representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in public service is 12.79 per cent. As on January 1, 2017, reviews of only 33 departments were completed out of the 82 departments. Details of representation of SC/ST employees in Government service is given in Appendix 4.3.14.

Development Programmes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

The outlay for Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) is fixed as a percentage of the total Plan outlay to the State, in proportion to their population. 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 Departments. A system of earmarking certain amount of SCSP/TSP as pooled fund under SCSP and TSP was introduced in 2009. This fund is for taking up schemes on project basis, which provides scope to have a range of schemes for 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 was 2,354.40 crore and 682.80 crore respectively. During 2017-18, allocation to Scheduled Caste Development Department was 2,599.65 crore and 751.08 crore was the allocation to Scheduled Tribes Development Department. Year-wise details of allotment from 2013-14 to 2017-18 are given in Appendix 4.3.15 and in Figure 4.3.6.

Programmes of Scheduled Castes Development Department

Plan fund devolved to Scheduled Caste 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. Education, training, research oriented programmes etc. are undertaken by various institutions under the Department. Major institutions, for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, managed by the department are given in Box 4.3.5.

Performance Review of XII Five-Year Plan

During the XII Five-Year Plan 9,326.98 crore was earmarked as SCSP flow from the aggregate State Plan provision of 95,010.00 crore. This accounts to 9.81 per cent of the State Plan. Of which, 4,780.09 crore was allocated for SC Development Department and 4,546.89 crore for the Local Self -Governments. Of the actual budgeted amount, the Scheduled Caste Development Department expended 81 per cent (3,855.19 crore) for the implementation of various schemes. 6,244.90 crore was allotted to Local Self Governments including opening balance for implementing various schemes under SCSP. Of this, 3,942.30 crore was expended (66.10 per cent).Year-wise outlay and expenditure incurred during the Plan period is given in Table 4.3.18. Major achievements during the Plan period are given in Appendix 4.3.16.

Major Schemes of SC Development Department

Scheduled Caste Development Department undertake programmes including education, economic development and social welfare, cultural programmes and services based on law. In 2016-17, an amount of 1,099.91 crore was expended out of the budgeted outlay of 1,315.50 crore (84 per cent). In 2017-18, out of 1,427.60 crore, 234.26 crore was expended as on August 31, 2017. Scheme-wise outlay and expenditure of welfare of Scheduled Caste for 2016-17 and 2017-18 (as on August 31, 2017) and the physical targets and achievements are given in Appendix 4.3.17 and Appendix 4.3.18 respectively. Details of major schemes implemented by the SC Development Department is given in Box 4.3.6.

Other Initiatives/Achievements of the SC Department in 2016-17

• Financial Assistance for seeking employment abroad has been increased from 50,000 to 100,000 and assistance was given to 446 beneficiaries.
• Marriage assistance enhanced from 50,000 to 75,000.
• 7.33 crore was allotted as inter caste marriage assistance for 1,466 couples.
• 3 students availed financial assistance for studying abroad and 476 students availed assistance for studying outside Kerala.
• 98.00 crore was allotted for the development of 196 SC colonies under Ambedkar self-sufficient village scheme.
• Training was given for 1,551 SC beneficiaries, job oriented training given to 5,401 persons and civil service coaching was given to 30 students.

Protection of Civil Rights and Enforcement of Prevention of Atrocities Act

The Acts of Parliament namely the Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 prescribe punishment for the enforcement of any disability arising from the preaching and practice of ‘Untouchability’ and prevent atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes There is a Special Court for the trial of such offences and relief and rehabilitation of the victims of atrocities.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau, in 2016-17, 267 cases were registered and an amount of 251.69 lakh has been disbursed as compensation to the victims. 96 cases were registered in 2017-18 and 83.65 lakh was given as compensation grant as on August 31, 2017. Details are given in Appendix 4.3.23.

Critical Gap Filling (Corpus Fund)

This scheme provides fund for filling critical gap in the SCSP provision made under various schemes on project basis with emphasis on human resource development, basic needs, economic development etc. From 2014-15 onwards, one third of the outlay has been allocated to districts on basis of proportion of SC population in the district. 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 in 2016-17 under this scheme are treatment grant, distress relief fund, self-sufficient village scheme, starting mobile medical units,renovation works, water supply scheme, purchase of machinery and equipment etc. Outlay and expenditure under the scheme from 2012-13 to 2017-18 is given in Appendix 4.3.24.

Pooled Fund

Pooled fund is a system of earmarking certain amount of SCSP/TSP as pooled fund under SCSP and TSP. Various development departments and agencies are furnishing 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 2012-13 to 2017-18 are given in Appendix 4.3.25 and Figure 4.3.8.

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 is 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 fund is distributed to 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 to SCSP are assistance to Scheduled Caste families for taking up viable income generating activities, through a mix of institutional finance and subsidy. The outlay and expenditure details of SCA to SCSP from 2012-13 to 2017-18 are given in Appendix 4.3.26.

Programmes of Scheduled Tribes Development Department

The concept of Tribal Sub Plan was 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. After the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, the local governments have been entrusted with specified responsibilities relating to development and welfare of Scheduled Tribes.

The Tribal Development Block of Attappady was 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. Considering this, the strategy of TSP was to protect tribal people and thereby attain tribal development. As per the TSP strategy, the State Government 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. In 2016-17, about 2.84 per cent of the State Plan outlay was provided under TSP. For the year 2017-18, allocation to the TSP was 2.83 per cent of the State Plan.

The major source 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 2016-17 was 475.41 crore (90.33 per cent) as against the allocation of 526.65 crore. The total State Plan provision set apart for the development of Scheduled Tribes during 2017-18 was 751.08 crore. Out of this, an amount of 575.08 crore (76.57 per cent) was earmarked to the ST Development Department and an amount of 176 crore (23.43 per cent) was provided as grant-in-aid to local governments. For the 50 per cent and 100 per cent CSS, the anticipated Central share is 21.30 crore and 105.02 crore respectively. In addition to this, 13.00 crore is anticipated as Special Central Assistance to TSP. Details of financial achievements are given in Appendix 4.3.27 and physical achievements of schemes implemented by the department during 2016-17 and 2017-18 (as on August 31, 2017) are given in Appendix 4.3.28.

Performance in the XII Five-Year Plan

In the XII Five-Year Plan 2,602.25 crore was earmarked as TSP flow from the State Plan provision of 95,010.00 crore. This accounts to 2.74 per cent of the State Plan which is much higher than the overall flow of 2.05 per cent during the XI Plan. The earmarked financial outlay and expenditure of State Plan Schemes of Scheduled Tribes Development Department and Local Governments from the period from 2012-13 to 2015-16 are given in Table 4.3.19.

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 in 2016-17 and 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) are given in Box 4.3.7.

Corpus Fund

An amount of 5,057.69 lakh was provided in 2016-17 for undertaking various development activities under the scheme and the amount expended during the period was 4,754.41 lakh (94 per cent). The components of the fund include self-employment, skill development, water supply and sanitation, communication facilities, foot bridges, technology transfer, improvement of education, health etc. Statement showing the outlay and expenditure under corpus fund from 2012.13 to 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) is given in Appendix 4.3.37, Figure 4.3.10 and district-wise details during 2017-18 are given in Appendix 4.3.38.

Additional Tribal Sub Plan

Fund(ATSP Fund)/Special Package

Additional Tribal Sub Plan 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. In 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. This scheme was continued in 2015-16 and 2016-17 also. In 2016-17, emphasis was given on housing. The expenditure under this scheme is 156.44 crore as on August 31, 2017. The details are given in Appendix 4.3.39.

Ambedkar Settlement Development Scheme (Erstwhile ATSP Fund/Special Package)

In the Annual Plan 2017-18, the scheme named “ATSP Fund/Special Package” was renamed as Ambedkar Settlement Development Scheme and an amount of 100 crore was earmarked. For implementing the scheme, 90 colonies have been selected by the Scheduled Tribes 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 programmes of education, health and employment cum income generation activities beneficial to Scheduled Tribes families. The outlay and expenditure under SCA to TSP from 2009-10 to 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) is shown in Appendix 4.3.40.

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

The institute was established in 1970 as Tribal Research and Training Centre (TR&TC), 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 4.3.41.

The training wing of KIRTADS co-ordinates and conducts a large number of programmes to promote tribal development. This wing also conducts many orientation programmes, capacity building programmes, empowerment programmes and educational programmes. The institute also undertakes Adikalagramam programme which include 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 4.3.42.

Kerala State Development Corporation for SC and ST

The Kerala State Development Corporation for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Limited was incorporated in the year 1972 as a Company under the Companies Act, 1956. The Corporation implements various income generating and other welfare programmes designed to suit the needs and aspirations of entrepreneurs from SC/ST communities. Schemes being implemented by the Corporation can be broadly grouped as (i) Sole Lending Scheme (ii) Schemes implemented in association with the National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) and (iii) Schemes implemented by National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC).

In 2016-17, the Corporation assisted 5,031 beneficiaries disbursing an amount of 55.35 crore. In 2017-18, assistance was given to 1,809 beneficiaries. The scheme-wise details of physical and financial achievements of the Corporation are given in Appendix 4.3.43.

Welfare of Other Backward Classes

The Directorate of the Backward Classes Department was created in 2011-12 to look after the development of socially and economically backward communities of the society. The department has implemented various educational schemes for OBC students as well as OEC students.

OBC educational scheme includes post matric scholarship and Pre metric scholarship. In 2016-17, a total of 108,042 OBC students benefitted from post-matric scholarship and 306,826 OBC students received pre-matric scholarship. Through OEC educational assistance, 188,376 OEC students benefitted from post-matric assistance and 202,230 students received pre-matric assistance. Other major schemes include employability enhancement programme, overseas scholarship scheme, career in automobile industry, construction of hostels and assistance to traditional occupations. From 2016-17 onwards the scheme for the traditional rural barbers for modernising their shops was started. In the first year, 2,219 individuals benefitted from this scheme. In 2016-17, 8,804.26 lakh (62.78 per cent) expenditure was incurred out of the Budget provision 14,022 lakh. A total amount of 10,340 lakh was earmarked by the State Government for the Backward Classes development during 2017-18, of this 2,820 lakh is State share for CSS. An amounts of 5,000 lakh is anticipated as 100 per cent CSS in 2017-18. The expenditure incurred as on August 31, 2017 is 3,723.95 lakh. The Scheme wise outlay and expenditure and the physical achievements of the department in 2016-17 and 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) are given in Appendix 4.3.44 and Appendix 4.3.45.

Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation(KSBCDC)

The Corporation aims at the socio-economic upliftment of the backward classes and minorities in the State. KSBCDC provides financial assistance at lower rate of interest to the members of backward and minority communities living below poverty line. KSBCDC also implements various welfare schemes and provides assistance such as marriage assistance scheme, Vidhyasree loan, Foreign employment loan, Suvarnasree loan etc. by utilizing State Government assistance and its own fund reserves. The corporation has disbursed loans worth 31,692.37 lakh during 2016-17 benefitting 37,766 individuals. Out of these, 28,257 were women (74.82 per cent). As on August 31, 2017, an amount of 12,473.85 lakh was disbursed to 10,368 individuals in the year 2017-18.

The source-wise expenditure and the physical achievements of the Corporation in 2016-17 and 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) are given in Appendix 4.3.46.

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, 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 2012-13 to 2017-18 (as on August 31, 2017) are given in Appendix 4.3.47.

The scheme-wise details of physical and financial achievements of the corporation are given in Appendix 4.3.48.

Welfare of Minorities

As a part of implementation of Justice Rajindar Sachar Committee Report, and consequent to Paloli Muhammed Kutty Committee report, Minority Welfare Department was constituted in the State during 2012 for addressing the socio economic and educational backwardness of Minority Communities in the State. The major schemes implemented by the Minorities Welfare Department are educational assistance, housing scheme for divorcees/widows/abandoned women from the minority communities, drinking water supply scheme in minority concentrated areas. An amount of 93,92.4 lakh (88.05 per cent) was expenditure from the budget provision of 10,667 lakh including central assistance in 2016-17. A total amount of 8,250 lakh was earmarked by the State Government for the sector in 2017-18, of this 550 lakh is State share for CSS. An amount of 1,650 lakh is anticipated as 75 per cent CSS during 2017-18 for Multi Sectoral Development Programme. The scheme-wise outlay and expenditure and the physical achievements of the department in 2016-17 and 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) are given in Appendix 4.3.49 and Appendix 4.3.50.

Kerala State Minority Development Finance Corporation

The State Government constituted the State Minority Development Finance Corporation in order to promote welfare and economic development of religious minority and recommended communities, as notified by the Central and State Government from time to time. The Corporation provides financial assistance by way of loans, advances, guarantees, securities and other financial aids subject to the guidelines as laid down by Government of India. The major schemes include financial assistance to income generating projects, housing finance, educational loans, vocational training etc. to minority communities. An amount of 1,500 lakh has been provided as share capital contribution to the Corporation during 2017-18. The financial and physical achievement of the corporation is given in Appendix 4.3.51.

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. The major schemes of the Corporation include scholarship, coaching assistance, term loan assistance, skills and entrepreneurship development and renovation of Agraharas. In 2016-17, an amount of 1,923.14 lakh was expended out of the Budget provision of 3,500 lakh. An amount of 3,000 lakh was earmarked to Welfare Corporation for Forward Communities in the year 2017-18 for various programmes. The Scheme wise outlay and expenditure and the physical achievements of the Corporation during 2016-17 and 2017-18 (up to August 31, 2017) are given in Appendix 4.3.52.