Ambedkar Welfare Schemes Merged with Central Programme
Government says merger completed in 2023; ₹9 crore released in 385 inter-caste marriage cases
- Two Dr. Ambedkar Foundation schemes merged from March 31, 2023.
- Merger aimed at avoiding duplication in implementation.
- ₹9 crore released in 385 pending inter-caste marriage cases.
- States and UTs now implement the integrated scheme.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th Aug: The Central Government has informed the Rajya Sabha that two welfare schemes administered by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation were merged with a Centrally Sponsored Scheme from March 31, 2023, to eliminate duplication in implementation.
Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale, in a written reply to an unstarred question, said the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages and the Dr. Ambedkar National Relief to SC/ST Victims of Atrocities Scheme have been integrated with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementing the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The Minister said that since the merger took effect in March 2023, the question of state-wise pending applications under the earlier Foundation schemes over the last three years does not arise. The integrated scheme is now implemented by State Governments and Union Territory Administrations with central financial assistance.
To clear pending cases arising before the merger, the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation launched a special initiative under which incentives were released in 385 inter-caste marriage cases, amounting to approximately ₹9 crore.
The Government said it remains committed to ensuring effective implementation of welfare measures aimed at promoting social integration and providing relief to eligible beneficiaries.
