India is committed to the principles of social justice, equality, and inclusive development. Various ministries and departments implement targeted programs to address the unique challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes, Minorities, Persons with Disabilities, the Elderly, and Transgender Persons, ensuring their rights are protected and they are empowered to participate fully in the nation's progress. This exploration delves into key initiatives in these areas.
Welfare of Scheduled Tribes (STs)
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) spearheads efforts to ensure the socio-economic development of STs, protect their cultural identity, and safeguard their rights over natural resources.
Introduction/Summary
Scheduled Tribes (STs) are among the most marginalized communities in India, facing challenges related to geographical isolation, socio-economic backwardness, and protection of their unique cultural identity and rights over natural resources. MoTA implements specific schemes and programs aimed at their educational, economic, and social development, while also safeguarding their rights and promoting their distinct cultural heritage.
A. Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) / Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)
Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
SCA to TSS:
Provides additive funds to State Tribal Sub-Plans (TSPs) for various development projects based on identified gaps, focusing on income generation, infrastructure development, and skill upgradation in tribal areas.
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY):
- Launch: Transformation of SCA to TSS into PMAAGY announced in Budget 2021-22, formally launched in August 2022.
- Objective: To achieve integrated socio-economic development of selected villages with significant tribal population through a convergence approach, ensuring they have adequate infrastructure and access to essential services. Aims to transform these villages into 'Adarsh Grams' (Model Villages).
- Target: Initially covering about 36,428 villages with at least 50% ST population and 500 STs across States/UTs.
- Focus Areas (8 Sectors): Road connectivity (internal and block), telecom connectivity (mobile/internet), school, Anganwadi centre, health sub-centre, drinking water facility (piped), drainage, and solid waste management.
- Funding: Gap-filling funds provided under PMAAGY, convergence with other Central and State schemes.
Significance: Moves from a project-based approach (SCA to TSS) to an integrated village development plan model for tribal areas.
B. Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (VDVY) / Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY)
Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
Implementing Agency: TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd.).
Launch Year: April 2018.
Objective: To promote livelihoods for tribals by harnessing the wealth of forests, i.e., Minor Forest Produce (MFP). Aims at economic development of tribals involved in collection of MFP by helping them in optimum utilization of natural resources and providing them a sustainable livelihood.
Mechanism:
- Establishment of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), which are tribal community-owned MFP-based enterprises for value addition, processing, packaging, and marketing of MFPs.
- Each VDVK comprises 15-20 tribal SHGs (Van Dhan Self Help Groups), with about 300 beneficiaries per Kendra.
- Provides training, equipment, working capital, and market linkages.
TRIFED Initiatives:
- Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) & Development of Value Chain for MFP: This scheme provides MSP to MFP gatherers and establishes a system to ensure fair monetary returns. VDVKs are a key part of this value chain.
- Tech For Tribals: A program by TRIFED supported by MSME Ministry to provide entrepreneurship and skill development training to tribal forest produce gatherers.
- Tribes India Outlets & e-Marketplace: Platforms for marketing tribal products, including MFPs processed by VDVKs.
Significance: Empowers tribal communities by enabling them to get better prices for MFPs and promoting entrepreneurship.
Challenges: Ensuring sustainability of VDVKs, market access, quality control, capacity building, competition from established players.
C. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)
Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
Objective: To provide quality middle and high-level education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas to enable them to avail of opportunities in higher and professional educational courses and get employment in various sectors.
Features:
- Residential schools providing free education from Class VI to XII.
- Focus on holistic development (academics, sports, cultural activities).
- Follow CBSE curriculum.
- Target: To establish EMRS in every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons by 2022 (target being revised/extended in line with NEP). Budget 2021 announced establishment of 750 EMRSs. Budget 2023-24 announced recruitment of 38,800 teachers and support staff for EMRSs.
Significance: Addresses issue of access to quality education for ST students, helps reduce dropout rates, and promotes higher education aspirations.
Challenges: Teacher recruitment and retention in remote areas, quality of infrastructure, ensuring culturally relevant education, hostel management.
NEP 2020 alignment: EMRSs are being strengthened to align with NEP principles.
D. Other Key Schemes/Provisions for STs
- Post-Matric Scholarship for ST students: Similar to SC/OBC scholarships, providing financial aid for higher education.
- Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution: Special financial assistance provided to states for promoting the welfare of STs and raising the level of administration of Scheduled Areas.
- Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): Specific interventions for the 75 identified PVTGs, focusing on their habitat development, education, health, and livelihoods. (Recent: PM-JANMAN - Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan launched Nov 2023 for holistic development of PVTGs with an outlay of approx. ₹24,000 crore, focusing on 11 critical interventions through 9 ministries. Source: PIB).
- Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 (Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act): While not a MoTA "scheme", its effective implementation is crucial for tribal welfare, recognizing individual and community rights over forest land and resources. MoTA is the nodal ministry for FRA implementation.
Prelims-ready Notes: ST Welfare
- SCA to TSS / PMAAGY (PM Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana): Min: MoTA. PMAAGY launched 2022 (transforms SCA to TSS). Goal: Integrated socio-economic dev of ST-majority villages (Adarsh Grams). Focus on 8 sectors (roads, telecom, school, AWC, health, water, drainage, SWM).
- VDVY / PMVDY (Van Dhan Vikas Yojana): Min: MoTA. Impl by TRIFED. Launched 2018. Goal: Livelihood for tribals via MFP value addition. Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs - SHG clusters). MSP for MFP scheme.
- EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools): Min: MoTA. Quality residential education (VI-XII) for ST students in remote areas. CBSE. Target 750 EMRSs.
- PVTG Development: Schemes for 75 PVTGs. PM-JANMAN (Nov 2023) for holistic PVTG dev (₹24,000 cr, 11 interventions, 9 ministries).
- Forest Rights Act, 2006: MoTA is nodal. Recognizes forest rights of STs & OTFDs.
Table: ST Welfare Schemes - Focus
| Scheme | Primary Focus | Key Feature(s)/Target |
|---|---|---|
| PMAAGY | Integrated Development of ST Villages | Transformation of ST majority villages into Adarsh Grams (model villages) with basic amenities. |
| VDVY/PMVDY | Tribal Livelihoods (MFP) | Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) for MFP value addition, processing, marketing. MSP for MFP. |
| EMRS | Quality Residential Education for STs | Free education (Class VI-XII), CBSE curriculum, holistic development. |
| PM-JANMAN | Holistic Development of PVTGs | 11 critical interventions across 9 ministries for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. |
Mains-ready Analytical Notes: ST Welfare
Addressing Multidimensional Deprivation:
Tribal communities often face deprivation across multiple dimensions – economic, social, educational, health, and political. Schemes need to adopt a holistic and integrated approach. PMAAGY attempts this at the village level.
Forest Rights Act (FRA) as a Cornerstone:
Secure tenure over land and access to forest resources are fundamental to tribal livelihoods and identity. Effective implementation of FRA is crucial for empowering tribal communities and reducing conflict. Challenges include slow pace of recognition, rejection of claims, lack of awareness, and conflicts with forest department.
VDVY - Leveraging Traditional Knowledge & Resources:
VDVY aims to convert traditional knowledge and forest resources into economic opportunities. Success depends on strong institutional support, capacity building, market linkages, and fair prices for MFPs. Needs protection from elite capture.
EMRS - Bridging Educational Gaps:
EMRS show positive results. Ensuring quality teachers, culturally sensitive pedagogy, and pathways to higher education/employment are key. The massive recruitment drive (Budget 2023) is a step in this direction.
Challenges for PVTGs:
PVTGs are most vulnerable. PM-JANMAN is significant but requires sensitive, intensive efforts, respecting cultural contexts.
Conclusion for ST Welfare:
Welfare requires a multi-pronged strategy respecting cultural identity, protecting rights, and promoting socio-economic empowerment. Effective implementation of schemes like PMAAGY, VDVY, EMRS, and legislations like FRA, PESA, along with targeted interventions like PM-JANMAN, is crucial for genuine inclusion and justice.
Welfare of Minorities
The Ministry of Minority Affairs focuses on the socio-economic and educational empowerment of India's six notified minority communities, aiming for inclusive growth and development.
Introduction/Summary
The Ministry of Minority Affairs implements various schemes for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of the six notified minority communities (Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, and Jains). These programs focus on improving educational attainment, promoting skill development and economic opportunities, and developing infrastructure in minority concentration areas.
A. Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)
Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Restructured from: Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) in 2018.
Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Objective: To provide better socio-economic infrastructure facilities to minority communities, particularly in education, health & skill development, reducing imbalances in Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs).
Coverage: Identified MCAs (Districts, Blocks, Towns).
Key Projects: Creation of assets like schools, colleges, hostels, hospitals, health centres, skill development centres, drinking water facilities, sanitation facilities.
Significance: Aims to address development deficits in areas with significant minority populations.
B. Education Empowerment Schemes for Minorities
Scholarship Schemes:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: For students from Class I to X.
- Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: For students from Class XI to PhD.
- Merit-cum-Means Based Scholarship Scheme: For technical and professional courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship: For meritorious girl students belonging to minorities (Classes IX to XII).
Other Educational Initiatives:
- Nai Manzil: (Now part of PM VIKAS) An integrated education and livelihood initiative for minority youth (school dropouts or those educated in community institutions like Madarsas) to provide formal Class VIII or X schooling and skills training.
- Naya Savera (Free Coaching and Allied Scheme): Provides free coaching to students of minority communities for qualifying in entrance examinations for technical/professional courses and competitive examinations.
- Padho Pardesh: Scheme of interest subsidy on educational loans for overseas studies (discontinued from FY 2022-23).
C. Economic Empowerment Schemes for Minorities
Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS):
- Launch: Approved in Dec 2022, an integrated scheme for skilling, entrepreneurship and leadership training for minorities.
- Subsumes five erstwhile schemes: Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni, Nai Manzil.
- Objective: To improve livelihoods of minorities, particularly artisans, using skill development, education, leadership, and entrepreneurship components. Aims to enhance earnings and provide formal skill certification.
Other Economic Initiatives:
- Seekho Aur Kamao (Learn & Earn): (Now part of PM VIKAS) Skill development for minority youth.
- USTTAD (Upgrading the Skills and Training in Traditional Arts/Crafts for Development): (Now part of PM VIKAS) Preserves heritage of traditional arts/crafts.
- Nai Roshni: (Now part of PM VIKAS) Leadership development for minority women.
- National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC): Provides concessional loans for self-employment.
Prelims-ready Notes: Minority Welfare
- PMJVK (PM Jan Vikas Karyakram): Min: Minority Affairs. CSS. Restructured MsDP. Goal: Socio-economic infra dev (edu, health, skills) in Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs).
- Education Empowerment (Minorities): Scholarships: Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Merit-cum-Means, Begum Hazrat Mahal (girls). Nai Manzil (part of PM VIKAS). Naya Savera: Free coaching.
- Economic Empowerment (Minorities): PM VIKAS (PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan): Launched 2022. Integrated scheme (skilling, entrepreneurship, leadership). Subsumes Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD, Hamari Dharohar, Nai Roshni, Nai Manzil. NMDFC: Concessional loans.
Table: Minority Welfare Schemes - Focus
| Scheme | Primary Focus | Key Feature(s)/Target |
|---|---|---|
| PMJVK | Infrastructure Dev. in MCAs | Schools, hospitals, skill centres in MCAs. |
| Scholarship Schemes | Educational Support | Pre-Matric, Post-Matric, Merit-cum-Means, Begum Hazrat Mahal. |
| Naya Savera | Coaching for Competitive Exams | Free coaching for minority students. |
| PM VIKAS | Skilling, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Heritage | Integrated scheme subsuming 5 earlier schemes. |
Mains-ready Analytical Notes: Minority Welfare
Rationale for Minority Welfare Schemes:
To address socio-economic and educational backwardness (highlighted by Sachar Committee Report for Muslims). Aims for inclusive growth and preventing marginalization.
PMJVK - Addressing Development Deficits:
Focus on tangible assets in MCAs is important. Effective identification of MCAs and need-based project selection are key.
Educational Empowerment - Key to Upliftment:
Scholarships improve access; DBT enhances transparency. Nai Manzil bridges Madarsa youth to formal education/skills.
Economic Empowerment & Skill Development (PM VIKAS):
Integrated approach aims for end-to-end solutions. Preserving traditional arts (USTTAD) and empowering women (Nai Roshni) are vital.
Challenges:
Ensuring schemes reach the deserving, awareness, overcoming discrimination, quality of skill training, effective monitoring. Definition/identification of beneficiaries can be complex.
Conclusion for Minority Welfare:
Ministry of Minority Affairs schemes aim for educational, economic, and social empowerment. PM VIKAS reflects a holistic approach. Effective implementation, targeted outreach, and addressing systemic discrimination are essential for inclusive development and national integration.
Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), MoSJE, works to ensure dignity, rights, and full participation of PwDs, guided by the RPwD Act, 2016.
Introduction/Summary
Ensuring the dignity, rights, and full participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) is a key focus of MoSJE. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, provides a comprehensive legal framework. Schemes like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan aim to create an accessible environment, ADIP provides assistive devices, and UDID project ensures unique identification.
A. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
Replaced: PwD Act, 1995. Alignment: With UNCRPD.
Key Provisions:
- Expanded Definition of Disability: Increased types from 7 to 21 (acid attack victims, Parkinson's, dwarfism, etc.). Central Govt can add more.
- Reservation in Govt Jobs: Increased from 3% to 4%.
- Reservation in Higher Education: At least 5%.
- Right to Free Education: For children with benchmark disabilities (6-18 years).
- Accessibility: Mandates accessibility in public buildings, transport, ICT.
- Guardianship: Provisions for limited guardianship.
- Penalties & Special Courts: For offences and violations.
Implications for Schemes: Strong legal mandate for accessibility, equal opportunities, non-discrimination.
B. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign)
Launch Year: December 2015.
Objective: Universal accessibility for PwDs for independent living and full participation.
Three Pillars of Accessibility:
- Built Environment Accessibility (public buildings).
- Transportation System Accessibility (airports, railways, buses).
- ICT Ecosystem Accessibility (websites, documents, TV).
Targets: Set for making government buildings, transport, websites accessible.
Challenges: Slow retrofitting, compliance, awareness, funding, technical expertise.
C. Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Scheme
Objective: Assist needy PwDs in procuring modern aids/appliances for physical, social, psychological rehabilitation and enhancing economic potential.
Eligibility: PwDs with specified income limits.
Aids & Appliances: Mobility aids, visual/hearing aids, artificial limbs, etc.
Implementation: Through NGOs, National Institutes under DEPwD, ALIMCO.
D. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS)
Objective: Financial assistance to NGOs for comprehensive rehabilitation services (early intervention, education, vocational training, CBR, etc.).
Significance: Leverages NGO network to reach PwDs.
E. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project
Objective: Create National Database for PwDs, issue Unique Disability ID Card.
Features: Single ID for availing benefits, ensuring transparency, efficiency.
Implementation: Online portal for registration and card generation.
Prelims-ready Notes: PwD Welfare
- RPwD Act, 2016: Replaced PwD Act 1995. Aligns UNCRPD. Disabilities: 7 to 21. Reservation: 4% (Govt jobs), 5% (Higher Edu). Free edu (6-18 yrs). Accessibility mandate.
- Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan: Launched 2015. Universal accessibility. Pillars: Built Environment, Transport, ICT.
- ADIP Scheme: Financial aid for modern aids/appliances. Impl via NGOs, ALIMCO.
- DDRS: Financial aid to NGOs for PwD rehabilitation.
- UDID Project: National database & unique ID card for PwDs.
Reservation for PwDs (RPwD Act, 2016)
Conceptual representation. Values indicate minimums.
Table: PwD Welfare Schemes & Act - Focus
| Scheme/Act | Primary Focus | Key Feature(s)/Target |
|---|---|---|
| RPwD Act, 2016 | Legal Rights & Entitlements | Expanded disability definition (21 types), reservations, accessibility. |
| Sugamya Bharat | Universal Accessibility | Built environment, transport, ICT accessibility. |
| ADIP Scheme | Aids & Appliances | Financial assistance for modern aids. |
| DDRS | NGO-led Rehabilitation | Financial support to NGOs for rehab services. |
| UDID Project | National Database & Unique ID | Single ID card for benefits. |
Mains-ready Analytical Notes: PwD Welfare
RPwD Act, 2016 - A Paradigm Shift:
Moves from welfare to rights-based approach (equality, non-discrimination, full participation). Effective implementation is key.
Accessibility - A Fundamental Right:
Sugamya Bharat operationalizes RPwD Act mandates. Progress slow, retrofitting challenging. "Universal design" vital for new constructions.
Challenges in PwD Empowerment:
Accurate data (UDID helps), awareness & sensitization, education & employment barriers, social stigma, capacity of service providers.
Conclusion for PwD Welfare:
RPwD Act, 2016 and schemes signify commitment to PwD empowerment. Ensuring rights, accessibility, support services, and fostering an inclusive mindset are crucial for dignity and contribution to national development.
Elderly Welfare
MoSJE implements schemes to ensure the well-being, financial security, health, and active participation of India's growing elderly population.
Introduction/Summary
With a growing elderly population, ensuring their well-being, financial security, health, and active participation in society is an increasing priority. MoSJE implements schemes like RVY for assistive devices, IPOP for supporting NGOs, PMVVY for pensions, and initiatives like SACRED portal and Elderline for support and re-employment.
A. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
Launch Year: 2017. Type: Central Sector Scheme.
Objective: Provide physical aids and assisted-living devices free of cost to BPL senior citizens (60+) with age-related disabilities/infirmities.
Eligibility: BPL senior citizens (60+).
Implementation: Through ALIMCO, other agencies. Camps for distribution.
B. Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP)
Objective: Improve quality of life of Older Persons by providing basic amenities (shelter, food, medical care, entertainment) and encouraging productive ageing through capacity building of Govt/NGOs/PRIs.
Features: Financial aid for old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units, physiotherapy clinics.
Significance: Supports institutional/non-institutional care, especially for indigent elderly.
C. Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
Ministry: Finance (implemented via LIC).
Objective: Social security scheme for senior citizens (60+) providing assured pension on lump sum investment.
Features: Assured return for 10 years. Max investment limit. (Extended till Mar 2023, revised rates).
Significance: Provides financial security for those who can invest.
D. SACRED Portal
Launch Year: October 2021.
Objective: IT portal connecting senior citizens (seeking employment) with private enterprises.
Significance: Promotes active ageing, allows seniors to contribute skills.
E. Elderline 14567
Launch Year: October 2021 (Pan-India).
Objective: Free information, guidance, emotional support, field intervention in abuse cases.
Services: Info on old age homes, caregivers; emotional support; abuse intervention.
Implementation: With states/UTs, NGOs.
Prelims-ready Notes: Elderly Welfare
- RVY (Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana): Launched 2017. CS Scheme. Free aids for BPL senior citizens (60+). Impl by ALIMCO.
- IPOP: Financial aid to NGOs/PRIs for old age homes, day care, mobile medicare.
- PMVVY: Min: Finance (LIC). Pension for senior citizens (60+). Assured return for 10 yrs. (Extended till Mar 2023).
- SACRED Portal: Launched 2021. Connects seniors seeking re-employment with enterprises.
- Elderline 14567: National helpline for senior citizens.
Table: Elderly Welfare Schemes - Focus
| Scheme | Primary Focus | Key Feature(s)/Target |
|---|---|---|
| RVY | Assistive Devices for BPL Elderly | Free physical aids. |
| IPOP | Support for Care | Aid to NGOs/PRIs for old age homes, day care. |
| PMVVY | Pension | Assured pension for 10 years on investment. |
| SACRED Portal | Re-employment | IT portal connecting seniors with employers. |
| Elderline 14567 | National Helpline | Info, guidance, support, abuse intervention. |
Mains-ready Analytical Notes: Elderly Welfare
Challenges of an Ageing Population:
Rapidly growing elderly population. Challenges: financial security, health care (geriatric), social support, abuse/neglect. (Cite NSO/UNFPA data).
Financial Security & Health Care:
PMVVY for savers. NSAP pensions low. Need comprehensive pension system. Affordable geriatric care crucial (NPHCE under NHM).
Social Support and Active Ageing:
IPOP supports homes, but emphasis on community living. SACRED promotes active ageing. Elderline provides emergency support.
Conclusion for Elderly Welfare:
With demographic shifts, elderly welfare is significant. Strengthening initiatives, wider coverage, inter-generational bonding, and an age-friendly society are essential for dignity and well-being.
Transgender Persons Welfare
MoSJE, guided by the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, implements schemes for the rights, inclusion, and welfare of transgender persons.
Introduction/Summary
Recognizing the historical discrimination and marginalization faced by transgender persons, the government has enacted legislation and launched schemes to protect their rights, promote their inclusion, and ensure their welfare. The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, is a landmark legislation, and schemes under SMILE aim at comprehensive rehabilitation.
A. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
Objective: Protection of rights, welfare of transgender persons.
Key Provisions:
- Definition of Transgender Person: Gender mismatch at birth, includes trans-man/woman, intersex variations, genderqueer, socio-cultural identities (kinner, hijra, etc.).
- Prohibition against Discrimination: In education, employment, healthcare, public goods/services, residence, office.
- Right of Residence: No separation from family unless by court order.
- Certificate of Identity: By DM. Revised certificate after surgery.
- Welfare Measures by Government: Mandates rescue, protection, rehab, healthcare, social security.
- National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP): Advises govt, monitors, redresses grievances (Constituted 2020).
- Offences and Penalties: For offences against transgender persons.
Criticism: Certification process, lack of clarity on reservations, inadequacy of penalties.
B. SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) - Transgender Sub-scheme
Sub-scheme: 'Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons'.
Components:
- Scholarships: Post-matric scholarships.
- Skill Development & Livelihood: Linkage with PM-DAKSH.
- Composite Medical Health: PM-JAY coverage + special package. Support for gender-reaffirmation surgeries.
- Housing (Garima Greh): Shelter homes.
- Transgender Protection Cell: In each state.
- e-Services (National Portal): For Certificate of Identity and ID card.
Significance: Dedicated scheme addressing multiple dimensions of welfare.
Prelims-ready Notes: Transgender Welfare
- Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019: Defines transgender. Prohibits discrimination. Right of residence. Certificate of Identity by DM. NCTP. Penalties.
- SMILE (Transgender sub-scheme): Comprehensive rehab: Scholarships, Skill dev (PM-DAKSH), Health insurance (PM-JAY + special package), Housing (Garima Greh), Transgender Protection Cell, National Portal.
Table: Transgender Welfare - Act & Scheme Focus
| Act/Scheme | Primary Focus | Key Feature(s)/Component(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Transgender Persons Act, 2019 | Legal Rights & Protection | Definition, anti-discrimination, Certificate of Identity, NCTP. |
| SMILE (Transgender sub-scheme) | Comprehensive Rehabilitation & Welfare | Scholarships, skill dev, health (PM-JAY), Garima Greh, National Portal. |
Mains-ready Analytical Notes: Transgender Welfare
Significance of Act and Schemes:
Significant step towards recognizing rights and addressing discrimination. Moves beyond binary gender understanding.
Challenges in Implementation:
Social stigma, access to education/employment, healthcare access, effective NCTP functioning, data collection, violence/harassment. Sensitization crucial.
Intersectionality & Role of CBOs:
Transgender persons from SC/ST/OBC/PwD face multiple discriminations. Policies need sensitivity. CBOs vital in advocacy, service delivery.
Conclusion for Transgender Welfare:
The Act and SMILE scheme are milestones. Effective implementation, combating social stigma, and promoting inclusivity are essential for a life of dignity, free from discrimination, and full societal participation.
Overall Relevance for UPSC
A thorough understanding of these welfare schemes and legal provisions is crucial for UPSC Civil Services Examination, spanning across Prelims and Mains papers.
Prelims Focus Areas
- Scheme Specifics: Objectives, launch year, nodal ministry, target beneficiaries, key features/components, funding, recent updates.
- Acts & Constitutional Provisions: Key provisions of RPwD Act 2016, Transgender Persons Act 2019, FRA 2006, PESA 1996, JJ Act 2015, Article 275(1).
- Umbrella Schemes: Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya, PM-AJAY, PM VIKAS, SMILE – and subsumed schemes.
- Institutions/Bodies: TRIFED, CARA, NCTP, ALIMCO.
- Key Terms: ODF+/ODF++/Water+, SECC data, MFP, PVTGs, DNTs, MCAs.
Mains Focus Areas
GS-I (Social Issues, Indian Society):
- Issues related to women, children, SCs, STs, minorities, elderly, PwDs, transgender persons.
- Impact of social evils. Role of social movements.
GS-II (Welfare schemes, Governance, Social Justice, Constitution):
- Critical analysis of welfare schemes (design, implementation, impact, challenges).
- Effectiveness of legal frameworks.
- Targeting, convergence, last-mile delivery issues.
- Role of commissions and institutions.
- Inter-ministerial coordination.
Essay:
Topics related to social justice, empowerment, inclusion, vulnerable sections.
Concluding Thoughts on UPSC Relevance
Analyzing scheme effectiveness, identifying gaps, and suggesting improvements based on current developments and data are key for Mains. The trend of creating umbrella schemes signifies an important policy shift that needs to be understood. Mastery of this domain is essential for a comprehensive grasp of India's social justice and empowerment framework.
Key Milestones Timeline
2006: Forest Rights Act (FRA)
Crucial for tribal welfare, recognizing rights over forest land.
2015: Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
Launched for universal accessibility for PwDs.
2016: RPwD Act
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, expanding scope and protections.
2018: Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (VDVY)
Promoting tribal livelihoods through Minor Forest Produce.
2019: Transgender Persons Act
Landmark legislation for protection of rights of transgender persons.
2022: PMAAGY Launched
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated tribal village development.
2023: PM-JANMAN
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan for PVTG holistic development.