Focus: GS-II Social Justice
Introduction to DAPSC
- As a part of the socio-economic and financial inclusion strategy of the Government to ensure that all segments of the society, particularly the Scheduled Castes, are benefited and adequate funds are allocated for their development, the concept of Development Action Plan for SCs (DAPSC – earlier known as Allocation for Welfare of SCs or SCSP) is being implemented by the Government so that targeted financial and physical benefits can accrue to the Scheduled Castes.
- Under DAPSC, certain percentage of funds are earmarked by Ministry/Department wise exclusively for the welfare of SCs, for implementing identified schemes/programmes.
- As per the Ministry of Finance guidelines, funds under the SC component are not re-appropriated to Non-SC heads.
- Besides, most State Governments and the Union Territory Administrations are also allocating part of their budget for the development of SCs; there is no provision for State-wise allocation of funds under DAPSC.
- As per Census 2011, the total SC population in the country is more than 20 Crores, which is 16.6% of the total population of the country. There is no provision for State-wise allocation of funds under DAPSC.
Overseas Scholarships for SCS, OBCS, EBCS and Weaker Sections
Government of India has been implementing following two schemes for Overseas studies:
1. National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc.
Under this scheme financial assistance is provided to the selected students from Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadics & Semi – Nomadic Tribes, Landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans categories for pursuing higher studies at Masters level courses and Ph.D. abroad.
Hundred awards, subject to availability of funds, per year are available under the Scheme. 30% of the awards have been earmarked for women candidates.
2. Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy
Under the Dr. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) under which interest subsidy is provided to the education loans for overseas studies availed by OBC/EBC students during the moratorium period i.e., course period, plus one year or six months after getting job, whichever is earlier.
