Year-End Review 2024
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has made significant strides in 2024, implementing notable initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalised communities, promoting social equity, and ensuring the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and vulnerable groups. This year has been marked by robust policy measures, digital innovations, and the strengthening of social welfare schemes that align with the government's vision for inclusive growth..
Scholarships for SC Students
l Pre- Matric and Post- Matric Scholarships: Over Rs. 437 crore was disbursed to 18.72 lakh SC students under the Pre- Matric Scholarship scheme. Additionally, 41.32 lakh SC students received Rs. 4,965 crore under the Post- Matric Scholarship scheme.
l SHRESHTA Scheme: A total of 2,961 students were admitted to 142 private residential schools for the 2024- 25 academic session under the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA).
l Top Class Education Scheme: Rs. 93.77 crore was distributed to 4,563 SC students pursuing higher education in top institutions.
l National Overseas Scholarship: 80 SC students received Rs. 56.29 crore for pursuing higher studies abroad, supporting Masters and PhD programmes.
Economic Empowerment Initiatives
l PM- SURAJ Portal: Launched to consolidate all economic empowerment initiatives for backward classes under a single digital platform. This portal facilitates loan applications and financial assistance schemes seamlessly.
l VISVAS Scheme: The portal recorded 1.67 lakh claims from SC beneficiaries, while 6.41 lakh OBC beneficiaries were enrolled for economic assistance under the scheme.
l TULIP Brand: A dedicated brand was launched to market artisan products, boosting the income potential and visibility of traditional artisans. Over 500 artisan groups benefited from this initiative, with products showcased at major fairs and online marketplaces.
Education and Skill Development
l PM- DAKSH Scheme: 80,185 beneficiaries were trained under the PM- DAKSH Skill Development initiative through 112 empanelled institutes, equipping them with skills for self- employment and career advancement.
l Free Coaching for SC and OBCs: 1,437 students benefited from Rs.13.71 crore under the free coaching scheme to prepare for competitive examinations.
l Digital Learning Expansion: 20,000 students enrolled in digital learning platforms, receiving access to free coaching and career guidance.
Village Development and Housing
l PM- AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana): 5,051 villages were declared 'Adarsh Gram' (Model Villages), with 1,655 projects sanctioned to benefit over 3.05 lakh beneficiaries. Additionally, Rs.26.31 crore was allocated for constructing 19 boys' and 19 girls' hostels.
l Housing Assistance: Under PM- AJAY, housing grants were provided to 2,500 families in SC- dominated regions, ensuring access to proper shelter and community development.
Support for Transgender Persons and the Marginalised
Garima Greh Shelter Homes: Six new Garima Greh shelter homes were established across six states to support destitute transgender individuals. Over 23,811 transgender persons received identity certificates.
l Skill Training for Transgender Persons: 725 transgender individuals completed vocational training, enabling better livelihood opportunities.
l SMILE Scheme: This year, the SMILE scheme facilitated the rehabilitation of over 1,475 transgender persons and persons engaged in begging. Employment support initiatives led to the placement of 350 transgender persons in private sector roles.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Drug- Free India Campaign)
l The campaign reached 13.57 crore people, including 4.42 crore youth and
2.71 crore women. Participation extended to over 3.85 lakh educational institutions nationwide.
l De- Addiction Centres: 150 new de- addiction centres were established in 2024, providing critical support and counselling to vulnerable groups.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (Senior Citizens Welfare)
l Over 3.87 lakh senior citizens received 15.54 lakh assistive devices under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana, promoting dignified and independent living.
l Day- Care Centres: 100 additional senior citizen day- care centres were opened, providing recreational and medical facilities.
Inclusion of Waste Pickers under NAMASTE Scheme
l Waste pickers were added as a key target group under the NAMASTE scheme. Profiling of 2.5 lakh waste pickers will be completed by 2025- 26, ensuring their access to social security and health coverage.
l PPE Distribution: 50,000 waste pickers were provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety kits to improve working conditions.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to drive forward with initiatives that foster social inclusion, economic independence, and holistic development for marginalised communities, ensuring their integration into mainstream society and contributing to the vision of an equitable and developed India.
(Source: PIB)