Targeted Welfare Schemes: Reaching out to SCs, STs, OBCs

New Delhi: The budget has given a decisive push to social sector with enhanced allocations for welfare schemes and a renewed emphasis on education for SCs, STs and other vulnerable sections of the society, including senior citizens, transgenders and beggars.

There is a 14% increase in the budget allocation for the ministry of social justice and empowerment, and a 7.5% increase in that of the tribal affairs ministry. The biggest increase has been in scholarship schemes for meritorious students from SCs, STs and OBCs across ministries, indicating the government’s emphasis on education for vulnerable sections of society.

The FM set the tone for the social sector push early in her budget as she said: "We wish to open up vistas for a vibrant and dynamic economy with a gentle breeze of new technology."