GS Paper 2:
Topics Covered: Welfare schemes for the vulnerable sections of the society.
Context:
Dalit activists from across India have appreciated Dalit Bandhu scheme.
- It is a scheme to uplift Dalits on all fronts and therefore activists have demanded the scheme be extended at the national level.
What is the Telangana Dalit Bandhu scheme?
- Dalit Bandhu enables entrepreneurship among Dalits through a direct benefit transfer of Rs 10 lakh per family.
- This is going to be the biggest cash transfer scheme in the country.
- To promote Dalit entrepreneurship, the government has decided to start a system of reservation for Dalits in sectors where the government issues licences. This includes wine shops, medical shops, fertiliser shops, rice mills, etc.
Dalit Security Fund:
- Apart from monetary assistance, the government plans to create a corpus called the Dalit Security Fund permanently to support the beneficiary in the event of any adversities.
- This fund will be managed by the district collector concerned, along with a committee of beneficiaries.
Why has the Dalit Bandhu scheme faced criticism?
The intentions and rationale behind the scheme are being questioned. The government has also faced criticisms for failing to uphold existing legislation and schemes for the protection and empowerment of Dalits.
Insta Curious:
How the word ‘Dalit’ traces its Origin in Gandhi and Ambedkar’s Poona Pact? Reference:
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- Key features of the scheme.
- Eligibility.
- Benefits.
Mains Link:
Discuss the significance of the scheme.
Sources: Indian Express.
