Recently, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) released its year-end review for 2022. The report highlights several key achievements, initiatives, and recent developments that have been accomplished throughout the year.
Key Achievements: Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
In a significant move, Articles 15(6) and 16(6) were inserted into the Constitution through the Constitution 103rd Amendment Act 2019. These Articles allow States to provide up to 10% reservation for the EWS in Government jobs and Government Educational Institutions—a milestone decision upheld by the Supreme Court of India in November 2022.
Nasha Mukht Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA): A Stride Towards Substance Use Awareness
Launched in 2020 by DoSJE, NMBA is a determined plan that spans across 372 vulnerable districts as identified by the Comprehensive National Survey and Narcotics Control Bureau. Notably, the programme has sensitized around 9.3 crore people, including 3 Crore Youth and 2 Crore Women, about substance use.
Delving into National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
NAPDDR provides financial assistance to different stakeholders to reduce drug demand. Funds are used for Awareness Generation, Capacity Building, Counselling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation programs.
Pre & Post Matric Scholarship Programs and National Overseas Scholarship Scheme
DoSJE offers financial aid to Scheduled Castes, De notified, Nomadic & Semi – Nomadic Tribes, etc., to pursue higher education abroad through the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme (NOS). The scheme has expanded from 100 seats to 125 since 2021-22.
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM AJAY)
Formed through the merger of three previous schemes, PM AJAY’s financial assistance has been raised up to Rs. 50,000 for scheduled caste beneficiaries.
The National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
Established under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956, NBCFDC promotes economic and developmental activities for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). In 2022, they disbursed funds of Rs. 418 Crores benefiting over 1.2 lakh beneficiaries.
Initiatives by Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF)
DAF launched DACE, implemented in 30 Central Universities across the country, to assist Scheduled Caste students prepare for Civil Services Examination (CSE). They also benefited from the Dr. Ambedkar Medical Scheme and the Scheme for Social Integration through inter Caste Marriages.
Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)
This revised scheme provides financial assistance to NGOs for projects related to the education sector for Scheduled Caste students. This includes a chance for meritorious SC students to receive quality residential education in top-class high schools through NTA.
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM DAKSH) Scheme
This scheme offers skill training for marginalized people including SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, and sanitation workers through NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC under the DoSJE.
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)
A significant achievement of NAMASTE includes the coverage of 3944 manual scavengers/dependents under various Skill Development Training programmes and the provision of Rs. 8.17 crore to 445 manual scavengers/dependants for general self-employment.
DoSJE’s Initiative for Transgender Persons
DoSJE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with National Health Authority in 2022, to provide a comprehensive medical package for transgender persons converging with Ayushman Bharat Yojana. This initiative covers all stages of transition-related healthcare for transgender persons, including hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery.