New Delhi, April 24, 2026: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has reiterated its focus on promoting inclusive growth and fair development by further strengthening a broad range of welfare schemes designed for the upliftment of marginalised communities across the country. Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar stated that the government is continuously enhancing targeted programmes to ensure social justice and holistic development for all eligible sections of society.
The ministry is responsible for implementing multiple laws and welfare initiatives that cover Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, senior citizens, persons affected by alcoholism and substance abuse, transgender individuals, people engaged in begging, De Notified and Nomadic Tribes, manual scavengers, sanitation workers including waste pickers, and economically weaker sections. These programmes are aimed at improving access to education, welfare support, and long term empowerment.
In the financial year 2025 26, assistance worth ₹7,981.47 crore has been distributed among more than 75 lakh Scheduled Caste beneficiaries under various welfare and scholarship schemes, reflecting a significant scale of outreach and support.
The expenditure pattern under major educational schemes has shown steady growth. The Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes and Other groups recorded a rise of 21 percent. The Post Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes increased by 11.23 percent. The Top Class Education Scheme for Scheduled Castes witnessed a growth of 13.5 percent, while the Residential Education Scheme for students in high schools in targeted areas registered an increase of 16 percent compared to the previous financial year 2024 25.
Officials noted that these consistent increases highlight the government’s sustained emphasis on expanding educational access and strengthening financial assistance for disadvantaged communities through continuous policy support and investment.
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