Government Department

Welfare Department for SCs & BCs

Note on the Activities of Welfare Department, Punjab

As per the census, 2001, scheduled caste population in the Punjab State is 70.28 lakhs which constitutes 28.85% of the total State population i.e. 2.43 crore. The State has 79.45% Scheduled Caste population who lives in Rural Areas and 20.55% in Urban Areas. As per 2001 Census the total literacy rate of Punjab State is 69.65% out of this Scheduled Caste literacy rate is 56.22% and scheduled caste female literacy rate is 48.25%. Majority of Scheduled Castes living in rural area are working as Agricultural labour and those residing in urban area are engaged as factory workers. The economic status of this community is very poor. Though Govt. has introduced various welfare schemes for this community yet their over all development is not upto the mark.
The sub-head-wise details of Welfare Schemes being implemented by the Govt. for the socio-economic and educational development of the Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes is as under:-

	Non Plan Schemes
	State Plan/Centrally Sponsored Schemes
	District Plan Schemes
	Special Central Assistance Schemes
	Scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship for students belonging to the minority communities (effective from 1.4.2008) Government of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs
	Post Matric Scholarship for students belonging to the Minority Communities (2008-09)
	Merit cum Means based Scholarship for students belonging to the Minority Communities (2008-09)
	Contact Information

(A) NON PLAN SCHEMES

1. 03-SCHEME OF RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTE FOR PRE-EXAMINATION COACHING TO SC, BC & MINORITY PERSONS APPEARING IN VARIOUS COMPETITIVE EXAM. SUCH AS IAS, PCS AND ALLIED SERVICES, BANKING, LIC SERVICES ETC.(AICC MOHALI)

In order to improve the representation of SCs in various posts and services under the Centre and State Govt./Departments, Pre-examination Coaching Centre was started in the year 1987-88 at Mohali by the Punjab Govt., as a Centrally Sponsored scheme. As per guidelines, the expenditure of Coaching is incurred by the State Govt. and the Govt. of India on 50:50 basis and rest of the expenditure is borne by the State Govt. Under this scheme, coaching facilities are provided to the members of Scheduled Caste, Other Backward Classes and Minority families whose parents income is not more than 1.00 lac and resident of Punjab state who are to appear in IAS, PCS and Allied Services, P.O., RBI, IC, Assist Grade, PMT/CET etc. The maximum number of students to be coached by the Institute is 200 in a year for all the prescribed courses. Coaching to Scheduled Caste, Backward Classes and Minority community candidates is provided free of cost and they are provided hostel facilities also. In addition to this, an amount of Rs. 700/- per month to IAS and Allied Services/ Banking Services and Rs. 375/-, per month to PMT/CET candidates is provided as diet money. An amount of Rs.24.70 lac was spent on 150 candidates during the year 2005-06.During the year 2006-07 an amount of Rs. 30.29 lac has been earmarked.

2. 02-POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIPS TO SC/ST STUDENTS (Social Security Fund)

The object of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes students studying at Post-matriculation or Post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Under this scheme, Scholarships are awarded to Scheduled Caste students studying in Post-Matric Classes including Technical, Engineering and Medical Courses whose parent's income does not exceed Rs. 1.00 lac P.A.. This scheme is being implemented in Punjab State through D.P.I (S) and D.P.I. (C) , DRME and Director, Technical Education. This scheme has been covered under Dedicated Social Security Fund from the year 2005-06.

Under this scheme, 100% budget is provided by Govt. of India over and above the committed liability. The committed liability of Punjab is Rs. 493.30 lac in the 10^th Five Year Plan As per notification dated 14-1-04, now this scheme is being implemented through PRIs. The rates of scholarships are as under:-

Course of Study Year of Course Rate of Scholarship

Hosteller Day Scholar

Group- I For complete duration 740/-PM 330/-PM
of the Course.

Group-II -do- 510/- PM 330/-PM

Group -III -do- 355/- PM 185/-PM

Group -IV -do- 235/- PM 140/-PM

During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs 873.30 lac was spent benefited 34617 students. During the year 2006-07 an amunt of Rs. 1420.00 lac has been allocated.

03- SCHEME OF ‘POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS BELONGING TO THE MINORITY COMMUNITIES

1. BACKGROUND

The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities was announced in June, 2006. It provides that a post-matric scholarship scheme for meritorious students from minority communities would be implemented.

2. OBJECTIVE
The objective of the scheme is to award scholarships to meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections of minority community so as to provide them better opportunities for higher education, increase their rate of attainment in higher education and enhance their employability.

3. SCOPE
The scholarship is to be awarded for studies in India in government or private higher secondary school/college/university, including such residential institutes of the Government and eligible private institutes selected and notified in a transparent manner by the State Government/Union Territory Administration concerned. It will also cover technical and vocational courses in Industrial Training Institutes/Industrial Training Centres affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) of classes XI and XII level.

4. ELIGIBILITY
Scholarship will be awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% marks or equivalent grade in the previous final examination and the annual income of whose parent’s/guardian’s, from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2 lakh.

5. DISTRIBUTION
Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority communities under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992. The distribution of scholarship among the States/UTs will be made on the basis of population of the above notified minorities in the States/UTs of Census 2001.

6. EARMARKING FOR GIRL STUDENTS
30% of scholarship will be earmarked for girl students. In case sufficient number of eligible girl students are not available, then the balance earmarked scholarships may be awarded to eligible boy students.

7. SELECTION PROCEDURE
Unlike scholarship for SC and ST, there are a fixed number of scholarships for minorities is small and limited. Students from BPL families, having the lowest income shall be given preference in the ascending order. The renewal applications would be fully exhausted before the new applications are considered.

8. DURATION
Scholarship will be provided for the entire course. However, maintenance allowance will be given for a period not exceeding 10 months only in an academic year.

9. RATE OF SCHOLARSHIP
Actual financial assistance will be provided for course fee/tuition fee and maintenance allowance as given below subject to a maximum ceiling indicated against item concerned.

Sr. No.	Item	Hosteller	Day Scholar
1.	Admission and tuition fee for class XI and XII	Actual subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 7,000 p.a.	Actual subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 7,000 p.a.
2.	Admission and course/tuition fee for technical and vocational courses of XI and XII level. (includes fees/charges for raw materials etc.)	Actual subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 10,000 p.a.	Actual subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 10,000 p.a.
3.	Admission and tuition fee for under graduate, post graduate	Actual subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 3,000 p.a.	Actual subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs. 3,000 p.a.
4.	Maintenance allowance for 10 months only in an academic year (includes expenses for study material etc.)	Rs. 235/- p.m.	Rs. 140/- p.m.
	i) Classes XI and XII including technical and vocational courses of this level.	Rs. 235/- p.m.	Rs. 140/- p.m.
	ii) Courses other than technical and professional courses at under graduate and post graduate level	Rs. 355/- p.m.	Rs. 185/- p.m.
	iii) M. Phil and Ph.D (For those researchers who are not awarded any fellowship by university or any other authority)	Rs. 510/- p.m.	Rs. 330/-p.m.

* Hostellers include students who are not staying in hostel of the school/institute concerned but are staying as paying guest or in rented accommodation in towns/cities which are not the places where their parents reside.

10. IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES
The scheme will be implemented through the State Government/Union Territory Administration.

11. CONDITIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP

(i) Scholarship will be awarded to the students who have secured not less than 50% marks or equivalent grade in the previous final examination and the annual income of whose parents from all sources does not exceed Rs. 2 lakh. Unlike scholarship for SC and ST, there are a fixed number of scholarships for minorities and hence preference for selection has been laid down. Students from BPL families, having the lowest income shall be given preference in the ascending order. The renewal applications would be fully exhausted before the new applications are considered.

(ii) The award will be discontinued if a student fails to secure 50% marks of equivalent grade in the previous final examination. Scholarship will not be awarded for more than the normal period of time taken to obtain certificate/degree/M.Phil degree/doctorate degree.

(iii) Scholarship will not be given to more than two students in a family.

(iv) The students should be regular in attendance for which the yardstick will be decided by the competent authority of the school/college/university.

(v) Income certificate should be on self certification basis by way of an affidavit on non judicial stamp paper for self employed parents and from employer for employed parents.

(vi) The school/college/university authority will certify the claim of the student of being an outstation students not residing in hostel of the institution concerned on the basis of permanent address and parent’s address.

(vii) Migration of students from one institution to another would not normally be allowed during the course of the academic year except under exceptional circumstances and in the interest of the student’s academic career.

(viii) If a student violates any other term and condition of the scholarship, the scholarship may be suspended or cancelled. The State Government/Union Territory Administration can also directly cancel the award if duly satisfied of the reasons of violation of these regulations governing the scheme.

(ix) If a student is found to have obtained a scholarship by false statement/certificates, his/her scholarship will be cancelled forthwith and the amount of the scholarship paid shall be recovered, at the discretion of the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration

(x) State Government/Union Territory Administration will lay down the detailed procedure for processing and sanctioning of scholarships to eligible students.

(xi) Course fee/tuition fee will be credited to the school’s/college’s/institution’s bank account . Efforts will be made for transferring it electronically through the banks.

(xii) Maintenance allowance will be credited to the student’s bank account. Efforts will be made for transferring it electronically through the banks.

(xiii) The State Government/Union Territory Administration will maintain a separate account and records relating to the funds received from the Ministry and they will be subjected to inspection by the officers of the Ministry or any other agency designated by the Ministry.

(xiv) The student obtaining benefits under this scholarship scheme shall not be allowed to avail of benefits under any other scholarship scheme for the same purpose.

(xv) The State Government/Union Territory Administration shall constitute a committee of the departments implementing such scholarship schemes to ensure that the students from the minority community, who may also belong to SC/ST/OBC category, does not avail scholarship from other sources for the same purpose and avail only from one source.

(xvi) The fund for distribution of scholarship in subsequent years will be released after receiving the utilization certificate for the previous year.

(xvii) The scheme will be evaluated at regular intervals by the Ministry or any other agency designated by the Ministry and the cost of the evaluation study will be borne by the Ministry under the previous of the scheme.

(xviii) The State Government/Union Territory shall place all relevant details of financial and physical achievements on their website.

(xix) The regulations can be changed at any time at the discretion of the Government of India.

12. ADMINISTRAIVE EXPENSES
As the magnitude of data to be entered and processed would be enormous as the scheme gets implemented over the years, there would be a need to engage qualified skilled personnel right from the beginning to ensure that the data based computerized systems are operational. Qualified skilled personnel possessing requisite expertise to operate computer programme designed for this purpose, entre, process, analyse, monitor, retrieve and transfer data should be engaged on contract basis as per need. Data provided by the States/Union Territories will be maintained and managed by the Ministry with personnel of similar expertise to be engaged on contract basis.

A provision not exceeding 2% of the total budget will be made to meet the administrative and allied costs viz. expenditure of the States/ Union Territories and the Ministry for office equipments including computers and accessories, furniture, printing of application forms, advertisements, engagement of personnel, etc. This provision will also be used for evaluation and monitoring of the scheme, through outside reputed institutions/agencies engaged by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India and the State Government/Union Territory Administration.

13. RENEWAL OF SCHOLARSHIP
The scholarship, once awarded, may be renewed during the next academic year of the course on the production of certificate that the student has secured 50% marks in the examination.

14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHEME
The scheme will be announced by the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration well in item, through advertisements in the leading language newspapers and local dailies and by using other suitable publicity media.

15. MODE OF APPLYING
The concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration will supply the application forms, till such time computerized systems are made operational. The application forms should be received back along with requisite certificates/certifications within the stipulated period.

16. PATTERM OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
100% funding will be given by the Central Government to the State Government/Union Territory Administration

17. MONITORING AND TRANSPARENCY
The States/Union Territories implementing the scheme shall monitor the financial and physical performance of the scheme at the State/Union Territory level. For this purpose, an IT enabled monitoring mechanism shall be in place. The State/Union Territory will be required to furnish quarterly financial and physical progress reports to the Ministry. The State/Union Territory shall maintain year wise details of the students receiving scholarship, indicating school/college/institute, location of school/college/institute, government or private, class, gender, new or renewal, permanent address and parents address. The States/Union Territories shall place relevant physical and financial details in their official website.

18. EVALUATION
The monitoring of the financial and physical performance of the scheme will be evaluated by assigning evaluation/impact studies to reputed institutions/agencies by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India.

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Format of Application

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Format of Application

04- FREE BOOKS TO SCHEDULED CASTE STUDENTS STUDYING IN I^st TO 10^TH CLASSES (Social Security Fund)

This scheme was started in the year 1976-77 for Middle Classes and scope of the scheme was broaden to cover High and Primary Classes from the year 1981-82 and 1986-87 respectively. The aim of the scheme is to provide free of cost Text Books to the Scheduled Caste Students studying in Ist to 10^th classes so as to relieve the parents/guardians of these students from the financial burden which they can ill-afford due to poverty. The department gets books directly from the Punjab School Education Board and then distributes these books to scheduled caste students of Government Schools as well as recognized schools through the field agencies of the Welfare Department/Education Department. As per notification dated 14-1-04, now this scheme is being implemented through PRIs. This scheme has been covered under Dedicated Social Security Fund from the year 2005-06 and an amount of Rs. 1548.72 lac was spent the year on 14,00,000 students. During the year 2006-07 an amount of Rs 1350.00 lac has been provided .

4. 06- SPECIAL GRANT TO SCHEDULED CASTE GIRLS STUDENTS STUDYING IN POST-MATRIC AND POST-GRADUATE CLASSES

The object of the scheme is to provide financial assistance for clothes and betterment of the Scheduled Castes girl students studying in Post-Matric and Post-Graduate Classes. This scheme was started in the year 1980-81. This Scheme is being implemented through the Director Public Instructions (Colleges), Punjab and Director Public Instructions (Schools).

Scheduled Castes girl students belonging to Punjab and also studying in Colleges/Institutions situated in Punjab, are eligible to get special grant under this scheme. The income of family of all these students from all sources should not exceed Rs. 60,965/- P.A.Under this scheme, financial assistance @ Rs. 50/- and Rs. 60/- pm, per girl student, is given to those studying in Post Matric and Post Graduate classes respectively. This grant is in addition to any other stipend given at Post Matric level.

. During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs. 37.03 lac has been spent on 3436 students.. An amount of Rs. 50.00 lac has been provided during the year 2006-07.

5. 07 - COACHING FOR STENOGRAPHY TO SCHEDULED CASTE CANDIDATES

The scheme aims at bringing adequate representations of the members of the scheduled castes in the cadre of Punjabi stenographers and steno typists in Punjab Civil Secretariat and other offices of the state Govt. The persons who are otherwise qualified in the trade are being given special training so that they come up to the required standard. The scheme has been introduced from the Year 1978-79. The scheme was implemented on state plan upto 1996-97 & thereafter it has been transferred to non plan. This scheme is being implemented through Language Department. at District. Level.

All the applications received from the candidate in the response to advertisement in leading newspapers given in the month of July are scrutinized and selected on merit by the selection committee:

i) Matric Second division or equivalent in any discipline from recognized

Schools/institutions.

ii) Candidates belonging to scheduled caste community.

Under this scheme Rs.250/- p.m. per student is given as stipend. During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs. 4.49 las was spent on 230 trainees . During the year 2006-07 Rs. 8.25 las has been provided.

6. 0.8 HOSTEL FOR GIRLS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

The scheme for providing hostel facilities to Scheduled Caste girl was started in the year 1967-68 .Under this scheme, the grant in-aid is given to the Educational Institutions willing to expand their existing Hostel buildings or for the constructions of new Hostels for the benefit of scheduled caste girl students. The hostels under the scheme can be constructed for Middle, Secondary, Colleges and University stage of education. The maximum number of SC students for whom accommodation can be provided in each hostel under the scheme should not exceed 100. In case of hostels to be constructed for SCs, 10% of seats should be reserved for students of other castes.

As per guidelines issued by the Govt. of India, the ceiling of cost of construction shall be as per Schedule Rate of PWD/CPWD. Under this scheme budget is shared by the State and Centre Govt. on 50:50 basis. No amount was spent due to non clearance of scheme by Government during 2005-06. An amount of Rs. 30.00 lac has been provided during 2006-07.

7. 09- GRANT TO SCHEDULED CASTE STUDENTS STUDYING IN MEDICAL AND ENGINERRING COLLEGES

The students belonging to Scheduled Caste community are financially weak and cannot afford to join professional colleges i.e. Medical & Engineering Colleges. The State Govt. has introduced this scheme from the year 1982-83 on the pattern of scholarship fixed by the Govt. of India. The rates of grant are as under:-

Course Day Scholar Hosteller

Medical/ Engineering Rs. 125/-P.M. Rs. 250/-P.M.

This grant is given to those Scheduled Caste students, whose parent's annual income does not exceed Rs. 60,965/-PA. This scheme is being implemented through the Director, Research & Medical Education and Director, Technical Education. During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs. 3.12 lac has been spent to cover 106 students. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 10.00 lac has been provided.

8. 10- AWARD TO BRILLIANT SCHEDULED CASTE STUDENTS

The aim of this scheme is to inculcate the spirit of the competition amongst Scheduled Caste Students in the field of education. This scheme has been introduced in 1984-85. Under this scheme, Scheduled Castes Students from 6^th to 12^th classes are awarded Rs. 100/- P.M. per student who secure Ist, IInd and IIIrd position amongst Scheduled Castes students in each educational block in 5^th, 8^th and 10^th class Examinations, 3 boy and 3 girl students are awarded at each level examination and this award continue for 3 years , 2 years and 2 years respectively. This scheme is being implemented through the Director, Public Instruction (S) Punjab. During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs. 12.66 lac has been spent to cover 1583 students. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 15.00 lac has been allocated.

9. 11- PRE-MATRIC SCHOLASHIP TO CHILDREN OF THOSE ENGAGED IN UNCLEAN OCCUPATIONS (I.E. SWEEPING, SCAVENGING, FLAYING AND TANNING . (Social Security Fund)

The objective of the scheme is to check the drop-out tendency and to provide financial assistance to the children of traditional scavengers of dry latrine, flaying and tanning. This scheme was introduced from the year 1988-89. Under this scheme, rate of Day-Scholars is as under:-

Primary Classes	40/- P.M. for 10 months only
Middle Classes	60/- P.M. for 10 months only
High Classes	75/- P.M. for 10 months only

In addition to above, Rs. 550/- per annum for Day-scholar, is also provided to each student as adhoc grant. No income ceiling has been prescribed to get the scholarship under this scheme. The expenditure over and above the committed liability of the State amounting to Rs. 19,65,417 is borne by the State and the Centre Govt. on 50:50 sharing basis. As per notification dated 14-1-04, this scheme is being implemented through PRI's in rural area. This scheme has been covered under Dedicated Social Security Fund from the year 2005-06 and Rs. 77.39 lac has been spent to cover 8937 students. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 85.00 lac has been allocated.

10. 01- PROMOTION OF EDUCATION AMONG EDUCATIONALLY BACKWARD CLASSES (SCHEDULED CASTES AND BACKWARD CLASSES, STUDENTS) (Social Security Fund)

This scheme was introduced during the year 1968. This scheme is being implemented by the D.P.I. (S) at school level and D.P.I. (C) at Post-Matric level. Under this scheme, scholarship is given to the students belonging to scheduled caste and backward classes studying from 6^th class onward, admission fees and tuition fees paid by the students is also reimbursed to them. This scheme has been covered under Dedicated Social Security Fund during the year 2005-06. The scholarship under this scheme is given to Scheduled Caste and Backward Class students whose parent's/ guardian's annual income does not exceed Rs. 50,000/- and Rs. 24,000/- respectively. The rates of scholarship under this scheme are given as under:-

Class/Course Rate/Category

1. 6^th to 8^th classes Rs. 30/-P.M. for SC/BC boy students

Rs. 40/-P.M. for SC/BC girl students

2. 9^th to 10^th classes Rs.75/- P.M.(Ist Division) for SC/BC boy & girl students

Rs. 60/- P.M.(2nd Division) for SC/BC boy & girl students

Rs. 50/- P.M. (3^rd Division) for SC/BC boy & girl
students

3. Post-Matric classes/ Rs. 15/- to 25/- P.M.
courses (only BC students)

During the year 2005-06 and an amount of Rs. 2279.73 las has been spent to cover 5,17,724 students. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 2500.00 for stipend and Rs. 100.00 lac for refund of examination fee has been provided.

11. 03- WELFARE OF OTHER THAN BACKWARD CLASSES/DENOTIFIED TRIBES (VIMUKAT JATIES)

The object of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Denotified Tribes (Vimukat Jatis) students for studying at School/College level. This scheme was introduced during the year 1914 and the idea was to encourage Vimukat Jatis people to attend schools This scheme is implemented through Director Public Instructions (E.E.) Punjab.

The students whose parents/guardians income is below Rs. 5000/- per annum and who do not pay more than Rs. 1000/- P.A. as land revenue are only entitled to get stipend under this scheme. The monthly rates of stipend to Vimukat Jaties under this scheme are as under:-

Sr. No.	Category	Day Scholar	Hosteller
1.	Primary	Rs.30/-	Rs. 134/-
2.	Middle	Rs.40/-	Rs. 196/-
3.	High/Higher Sec.	Rs.63/-	Rs. 236/-
4.	JBT Course/Clear. & Comm. Classes	Rs.314/-	Rs.314/-
5.	F.A./F.Ss	Rs.79/-, 95/-	Rs.298/-, 314/-
6.	B.A./B.Sc/B.Com	Rs.118/-, 150/-, 236/-	Rs.332/-, 432/-, 550/-
7.	Polytechnic	Rs.157/-	Rs. 432/-
8.	Law/B.T./B.Ed.	Rs.353/-	Rs.628/-
9.	M.A./M.Sc	Rs.196/-	Rs.470/-
10.	Medical Engg.	Rs. 314/-,477/-	Rs.588/-, 745/-

During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs. 19.00 lac has been spent to cover 8004 students. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 80.00 lac has been allocated to cover students of higher classes .

12. 05-CRECHES FOR THE CHILDREN OF WORKING MOTHERS FROM SWEEPERS/ SCAVENGERS ETC.

This scheme was started in the year 1976-77. Under this scheme, Creches have been provided for the children up to the age of 6 years belonging to the families of Sweepers and Scavengers. The main aim of the scheme is to relieve the burden of parents regarding safety of their children while they are at work and to provide security to them. At each centre there is a Lady Supervisor and two Nurse-cum-Lady Attendant. Twelve creches at district head-quarters are working on Non-Plan side. In each centre 40 children upto the age of 6 years are being admitted and nutrition at the rate of Rs. 2/- per child, per day was provided and now has been raised from Rs 2/- to 3.80 Paise per child per day w.e.f. 1-2-06

During the year 2005-06 an amount of Rs. 2.99 lac has been spent to cover 480 children. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 5.56 lac has been allocated to cover 480 children. .

(B) STATE PLAN/ CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEMES

13. SC 2.2 HOSTEL FOR GIRLS/BOYS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

The scheme for providing hostel facilities to Scheduled Caste girl and boy students was started in the year 1967-68 and 1990-91 respectively. Under this scheme the grant in-aid is given to the Educational Institutions willing to expand the existing Hostel buildings or for the constructions of new Hostels for the benefit of scheduled caste girl /boy students.

As per guidelines issued by the Govt. of India, the ceiling cost of construction shall be as per Schedule Rate of PWD/CPWD. Under this scheme budget is shared by the State and Centre Govt. on 50:50 basis. Scheme was not cleared by the Govt. during the year 2005-06. Rs. 40.00 lac has been allocated for the year 2006-07.

14. SC2.14 FREE TEXT BOOK TO S.Cs GIRL STUDENTS STUDYING IN 10+1 AND 10+2 CLASSES (FOR BPL FAMILIES) (NEW SCHEME)

The aim of the scheme is to provide Text Books free of cost to the SCs Girl students studying at Schools/Colleges level in class 10+1 and 10+2, so as to relieve the parents/guardians of these students from the financial burden which they can ill afford due to poverty. The S.Cs. Girl students studying in Govt. as well as recognized Schools/Colleges are eligible for the provision of Text Books free of cost. The students will be assisted by providing financial assistance @ Rs. 1300/- to medical & non medical and Rs. 800/- to commerce and arts per S.Cs. Girl students. During the year 2005-06 scheme could not be introduced and Rs. 50.00 lac has been allocated. for 2006-07.

15. SC.2.15 CONSTRUCTION OF HOSTEL OF OBC BOYS AND GIRLS IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. (NEW SCHEME)

The scheme has been started by the Govt. of India from the 9^th year Plan. Under this Scheme, grant in aid is given to the Educational Institutions for construction of new Hostels or for expansion of existing hostel buildings for the benefit of OBC Boy and Girl Students. In the hostel constructed for OBC students 5% of the total seats in these hostels shall be reserved for disabled students. Under this scheme budget is shared by the State and Centre Govt. on 50:50 basis. During the year 2005-06 budget allocation was not made by the Govt. in revised estimates. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 20.00 lac has been allocated.

16. SC 2.16 PRE-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR OBC STUDENTS (NEW SCHEME)

The Government of India has introduced the scheme of Pre-Matric Scholarship to those OBC Students whose parents/guardians income from all sources not exceed to Rs. 44,500/- per annum. Information is being collected reg. students to be covered and financial liability thereof from Education Department and the scheme will be submitted to Govt. for approval shortly. Under this scheme budget is shared by the State and Centre Govt. on 50:50 basis. During the year 2005-06 scheme was not cleared by the Govt. During the year 2006-07 an amount of Rs. 200.00 has been allocated.

17. SC 4.4-CONSTRUCTION OF SC DHARAMSHALAS/CHAUPALS

This scheme was started in the year 1969-70. Under this scheme, Dharamshalas are constructed in the Scheduled Caste Basties in the State so that these people may derive community benefits and arrange their social functions at these places. A grant of Rs. 1,00,000/- is given for the construction of a new Dharamshala and Rs. 50,000/- is given for the repair of incomplete Scheduled Caste Dharamshala. The land and the labour for the construction of Dharamshala are arranged by the Community/village Panchayat. Grant is provided for the construction of new Dharamshala in the village/town having suitable site measuring 10 marlas to one Kanal in village and 4 marlas in town inhabited by 10 to 15 Scheduled Caste families. Now this scheme has been covered under Punjab Nirman Programme from the year 2005-06 as per latest decision by the State Govt.

There are 12729 villages in the State, out of which 11783 have been covered up to the year 2002-03 and 17848 Dharamshalas have been constructed.

Under this scheme the Managing Committee consisting of the following members is responsible for proper utilization of grant:-

1. District Welfare Officer Chairman

2. Tehsil Welfare Officer(Ex offices) Member Secretary

3. Scheduled Caste Panch/Counsellor/M.C. Member-cum-Cashier

4. Sarpanch/Panch/Counsellor/M.C. Other Member

than Scheduled Caste.

5. Any Scheduled Caste member, Preferably Member

lady member of Gram Panchayat in village &

Counselor or M.C. Urban area.

During the year 2005-06 this scheme has been covered under Punjab Nirman Programme. Rs. 100.00 has been allocated during the year 2006-07.

18. SC 4.1-IMPLEMENTATION OF PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACT-1955 REMOVAL OF UNTOUCHABILITY

The scheme of Removal of Untouchability under the Protection of Civil Rights Act-1955 was introduced in the State of Punjab during the year 1986-87. Under this scheme, Encouragement Award of Rs. 25,000/- is given to inter-caste married couples (where-in one of the spouse belongs to scheduled caste), Panchayats who work for all round development of scheduled castes are awarded Rs. 15,000/- each. Besides this, Seminars/ Debates and Mass Lunch are also organised at District/Tehsil /Block level. Wide publicity of Welfare Schemes is also made through advertisement in various news papers etc. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme and the budget is shared by the State and Centre Govt. on 50:50 basis. During the year 2005-06 Rs. 80.86 lac has been spent. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 150.00 lac has been allocated.

19. SC 4.2 AWARENESS PROGRAMME

This scheme was started from the year 1994-95. To implement the protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, effectively, general awareness among poor Scheduled Castes is must. It is only possible if wide publicity of PCR ACT 1955 along with Welfare Programmes being taken bythe Welfare Department are published through Newspapers, Radio, T.V. (including talks), Printing and distribution of folders, pamphlets and booklets etc. During the year 2005-06 scheme was not cleared by the Govt. During the year 2006-07 Rs. 5.00 has been allocated on Non-Plan Side. .

20. SC 4.5-CREATON OF ATROCITY CELL UNDER PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES ACT, 1989 TO PROVIDE MONITERY RELIEF OF VICTIMS OF ATROCITIES.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities ) Act., 1989 is enforced in the State. Under this Act, victims of various types of atrocities are proposed to provide financial assistance for their rehabilitation.

As a result of the same, a scheme has been formulated and is under active consideration of the Punjab Govt. The scheme is based on rehabilitation of the victims of atrocities. Various incentives i.e. Rs. 0.50 Lac to each women whose modesty has been outraged or who is sexually exploited, Rs. 1.00 lac for 100% incapacitation in case of non-earning member of a family and Rs. 2.00 lac for earning member of a family. A sum of Rs. 1.00 lac is to be given in case of murder of a non-earning member and Rs.2.00 lac in case of earning member of a family. In addition to this, victim of murder, death, mass acre, rape, mass rape and gang rape, permanent incapacitation and dacoity following relief is to be

provided within three months of date of atrocity:-

i) Pension to each widow and/or other dependents of deceased SC and ST @ Rs. 1000/- per month or employment to one member of the family of the deceased, or provision of agricultural land, an house if necessary be outright purchase.

ii) Full cost of the education and maintenance of the children of the victims, children may be admitted to Ashram Schools/ Residential Schools.

iii) Provision of Utensils, rice, wheat dals pulses etc. for a period of three months

The amount which is to be paid towards the rehabilitation of the victims of atrocities are based on the rates recommended by the Govt. of India. Under this scheme budget is shared by the State and Centre Govt. on 50:50 basis. During the year 2005-06 Rs. 115.00 las has been released to Deputy Commissioner for providing monetary relief to the victim of atrocities. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 140.00 lac has been allocated .

21. SC 5.5 POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OBC (New Scheme)

The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the other Backward Classes (OBC) students studying at Post Matriculation or Post Secondary stage to enable them to complete their education.

Under this scheme 100% Central Assistance is to be provided by Govt. of India. Scholarships are awarded to other backward classes students studying in Post-Matric Classes including Technical, Engineering and Medical Courses whose parent's income does not exceed Rs. 44,500/- P.A.. This scheme will be implemented in Punjab State through D.P.I (S); D.P.I. (C); Director, Research & Medical Education and Director, Technical Education.

The value of scholarship includes maintenance allowance, provision for students with disabilities, re-imbursement of compulsory non refundable fees, study tour charges, thesis typing/printing charges and book allowance for students pursuing correspondence charges, for complete duration of the course. The rate of scholarship varied from Rs.90/- to Rs.425/- depending upon the class and course of study . During the yearn 2005-06, Rs. 247.95 lac has been released to concerned implementing agencies i.e. DPI(S), DPI (C), DRME and Director , Technical Education Department, Punjab. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 750.00 lac has been allocated.

22. SC 5.3- ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT OF WAY-SIDE COBBLERS

It is observed that sufficient number of Scheduled Castes are engaged in the minor and major repair of shoes (juties and chappals) etc. They are generally found working under old trees on the road side where every one can approach them easily to get their shoes repaired. Such persons are known as wayside cobblers. They work hard, but due to certain problems of shelter, uncertain weather, rain and scorching heat, they are not in a position to earn their livelihood to the desired extent. The department has, therefore, prepared a scheme to provide khokhas to the wayside cobblers of the place where they are already working, to enable them to increase their earnings. This scheme was started from the year 1994-95. Scheduled Castes persons, who are living below poverty line are only eligible for this benefit.

The beneficiaries will be selected by the District Level Committee comprising the A.D.C. (Dev.) of concerned district as Chairman, The District Welfare Officer as Member and the concerned Tehsil Welfare Officer as member Secretary. The applications will be collected by the District Welfare Officer through their field Officers and will be placed before the committee for consideration/selection. There-after, the recommendation would be sent to the Director, Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, Punjab for final approval. The expenditure on this project is proposed to be met out of SCA funds. Under this scheme, only those beneficiaries are selected, who are working as Way-side Cobblers in Towns, Cities and villages for the last five year. Preference is given to those persons whose fore-fathers were also engaged in this profession.

Under this scheme, subsidy @ Rs. 10,000/- is provided to the beneficiary as under:-

1. Erection of Khokha Rs. 8000/-

2. Cost of Tool Kit & Raw Material Rs. 2000/-

Total Rs.10000/-

During the year 2005-06, Rs. 5.00 lac has been allocated, but scheme was not cleared by the Govt. This scheme has been included in the Distt. Plan Budget during the year 2006-07, Rs. 10.00 lac has been allocated.

(C) DISTRICT PLAN SCHEMES

23. SC.2.11- AWARD TO SCHEDULED CASTE SPORTS STUDENTS (6^th to 12^th Classes) (DISTT. PLAN SCHEME).

The aim of the scheme is to inculcate the spirit of competition amongst the Scheduled Caste students in the field of Sports. Keeping this in view, this scheme was started during the year 1990-91. Under this scheme, scheduled Caste students studying from 6^th to 12^th classes are awarded @ 25/- P.M., who secure the first three positions i.e. Ist, IInd and IIIrd in the following games/sports amongst scheduled caste students in each educational block in 5^th ,8^th and 10^th classes ( 3 Boys and 3 Girls). This award will continue for 3 years, 2 years and 2 years respectively. The following games are covered under this scheme:-

1. Athletics (100 Metre Sprint, 400 Metre race, long Jump, High Jump)

2. Kabbadi

3. Kho-Kho

4. Gymnastics

The amount provided under this scheme is placed at the disposal of District Planning and Development Board.

During the year 2005-06, budget provision not made in revised budget estimates. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 30.80 lac has been allocated.

24. SC 2.12-ATTENDANCE SCHOLARSHIP TO SCHEDULED CASTE GIRL
STUDENTS STUDYING IN PRIMARY CLASSES (Social Security Fund)

It has been observed that the number of Scheduled Caste girls in educational institutions is much less than their population, it is because of the fact that the parents/ guardians of these girls are usually very poor and they don't pay any heed to female education. If at all these girls are admitted in the schools, they leave their studies to assist their parents for the augmentation of their family income by taking up menial jobs. Keeping these circumstances in view, the State Govt. decided to adopt some ways and means so that the drop-out tendency is checked initially at Primary stage. Consequently the scheme namely 'Attendance Scholarship to Scheduled Caste girl students studying in Primary Classes' was introduced from the year 1992-93 as district level scheme.

Under this scheme, attendance scholarship of Rs. 50/- P.M., per girl student, for 10 months in a year is given to those scheduled caste girls, who are domicile of Punjab State and studying in Primary Classes subject to the followingconditions:-

1. Their parents do not have more than 5 acre of land.

2. Their parents/guardians are not income tax payees.

3. Minimum 75% class attendance is required for award of scholarship.

As per notification dated 14-1-04, this scheme is being implemented through PRI in rural area. This scheme has been covered under Dedicated Social Security Fund from the year 2005-06 and Rs. 1800.00 lac has been spent to cover 3,90,817 girl students. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 2000.00 lac has been allocated.

25. SC 3.1(iii) HOUSES TO HOUSELESS SCHEDULED CASTES IN RURAL AREA AND URBAN AREA.

The object of the scheme is to provide grant for the construction of houses to scheduled caste families living below poverty line in rural and urban areas, who are either houseless or having Kacha House but unfit for human habitation. A provision has also made for new Begampura Awas Yojna separately. This scheme has been started from the year 2002-03.

Under the scheme SC 3.1(ii) Providing Plots and Grant for the construction of houses to the SC houseless families. There was two components of this scheme i.e. provision of plots and grant for the construction of houses for houseless scheduled castes in rural and urban areas.

(A) Provision of Plots.

The families belonging to scheduled castes living below poverty line in rural areas, who have no plots of their own to construct the house, will be provided plots, free of cost, where Govt./Panchayati suitable land is not available, there land shall be purchased for this purpose.

The size of plot will be 10 marlas, out of which 5 marlas for the construction of house and rest of 5 marlas as open land for other purposes of the beneficiary. Thus, the maximum cost, per beneficiary, shall be around Rs. 25,000/-.

(B) Grant for the Construction of House.

A grant of Rs.20,000/- per housing unit, will be provided to each scheduled caste identified beneficiary for the construction of a new house or improving one's existing kacha or dilapidated house. Families having their own plots or provided under Component of 'Provision of Plots', will be eligible for getting grant. The new housing unit will be One Room, One Kitchen and a Bathroom.

Now this scheme has been covered under Punjab Nirman Programme from the year 2005-06 as per latest decision by the State Govt. and during this year Rs. 2000.00 lac has been released by the Planning Department to Distt. Planning and Development Boards and to cover 10,000 families.

26. SC 4.6-CONSTRUCTION OF DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR BHAWANS AND THEIR OPERATION

To commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Government have decided to set up Ambedkar Bhawans at each district head-quarter. These Bhawans consists of an Auditorium/Multipurpose Hall, Library, Office of District Welfare Officer, Tehsil Welfare Officer, District Managers, Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development & Finance Corporation, Punjab Backward Classes, Land Development & Finance Corporation, residence of Chowkidar & Car Garage etc. This scheme is being implemented by the Welfare Department from the year 1990-91.

Under this scheme, 11 Bhawans in District Ropar, Patiala, Faridkot, Bathinda, Gurdaspur, Moga, Mukatsar, Ferozepur, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib & Kapurthala have been completed and 4. Bhawans are under construction i.e. in District Amritsar, Mansa, Ludhiana and Nawan-Shahr. Land has also been arranged in District Jullunder and Hoshiarpur, but the construction work is yet to start.

During the year 2005-06, no budget has been released by the Planning Department to Distt. Planning and development boards. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 300.00 lac has been allocated.

27. SC 4.8- ASHIRWAD TO SC , CHRISTIAN GIRLS AND DAUGHTERS OF WIDOW AT THE TIME OF THEIR MARRIAGES. (Social Security Fund)

As per recent survey , it has been found that in the State of Punjab, there are total 3,88,000 families living below poverty line, out of which there are 2.63 lakh Scheduled Caste families constituting 62% of the total below poverty line families .It has been further noticed that the below poverty line SC families are mostly engaged in the work like labour/daily wages and other menial/seasonal works. With the advent of mechanization and due to the migration of labourers from the other States like U.P. and Bihar they are finding it very difficult to fulfill their day to day needs. Consequently their economic conditions have deteriorated. With the meager earnings and little resources at their disposal they face a very awkward position when their daughter comes to the marriageable age. To fulfill their social obligation, i.e. marriage of their daughter, they are compelled to approach money lenders/landlords/affluent people of the village. In such circumstances, possibilities of exploitation at the hands of the moneylenders/landlords/affluent people of the village cannot be ruled out. Thus, to solemnize the marriage of their daughters they mostly get trapped in the vicious circle of indebtedness,.

Similarly, most of the members of the Christian community are also backward in respect of their economic and social status. These people are also found to be unable to perform the marriages of their daughters without some financial assistance. Besides, the economic plight of the widows living below poverty line irrespective of the caste is not different from that of the Scheduled Castes and Christian community in the State of Punjab.

To overcome difficulties of the Shagun Scheme and to give more benefits to deprived section of the Society (BPL SC families/BPL Christian families and BPL widow families of any caste), the State Govt. had taken the decision to replace the Shagun Scheme with the new scheme namely " Ashirwad Scheme". Under the Ashirwad Scheme an amount of Rs.6100/- will be given to the parents/guardians of girls belonging to BPL SC families/BPL Christian families including widow/divorcee on their re-marriage and BPL widow families of the Punjab Domicile on the occasion of their marriages. In the case of non-survival of the parents, draft is prepared in the name of girl and disbursed. The payment of Ashirwad amount is made at the time of marriage ceremony as far as possible. The amount is given only to those parents /guardians/widows/ divorcee who fulfill the following conditions:

i) That the girls is above 18 years of age which is the minimum legal age for the marriage of the girl ;

ii) That she belongs to BPL SC family/BPL Christian family and BPL widow family; and from the year 2006-07, affidavit in respect of income proof i.e. Rs. 20,000/- for rural and Rs. 27500/- per annum for urban area, which is certified from SDM or PCS Officer having power of Executive Magistrate.

iii) That she is domicile of Punjab State and her parents/guardians are also domicile of Punjab State.

iv) This benefit is limited upto two girls of each family.

The parents/guardians seeking the financial assistance under "Ashirwad Scheme" are required to submit their application to the concerned Tehsil Welfare Officer after verification from Gram Panchayats (for rural areas) and MCs/NACs (for urban areas). Moreover the applicants are required to submit their application within one month and after one month of the date of marriage. Ashirwad amount is also given on the marriages of the girls who have become widow/divorce, who had not availed Ashirwad amount for their earlier marriage provided that they belong to BPL SCs/BPL Christian families/BPL widow families. This scheme has been covered under Dedicated Social Security Fund from the year 2005-06 and Rs. 2440.00 lac has been spent to cover 40,000 beneficiaries. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 3500.00 lac has been provided and financial assistance has been enhanced from Rs. 6100/- to 15,000/- per beneficiary w.e.f. 1-4-2006 onward.

28. SC4.9-ASSISTANCE TO SCHEDULED CASTES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
MANURIAL PITS.

It is an establishing fact that most of scheduled caste families residing in rural areas have no land for dumping their domestic waste. Keeping in view the acuteness of the problems faced by the Scheduled Castes in the State, this scheme was started in the year 1980-81.

The aim of the scheme is to provide manurial pits measuring not more than one marla to each Scheduled Caste family in rural areas. This scheme was, however, dropped in 1985. Keeping in view, its relevance, this scheme was revived in the year 1990-91. This scheme was implemented at the District Level by District Planning Board/ District Welfare Officer concerned. The scheme was dropped in the year 1996-97. As per the norms of the scheme, the rate for the land to be purchased for the purpose was fixed at maximum of Rs. 5,000/- per marla

The Govt. decided to re-start this scheme from the year 2001-2002 with a token provision of Rs. 5.00 lac, but no funds, under this scheme, were released by Government during the year 2001-2002 and 2002-03. During the year 2005-06, no budget provision was made by the Govt. in revised estimates.

(D) SPECIAL CENTRAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES

29. SETTING UP OF INSTITUTES FOR TRAINING TO SCHEDULED CASTE CANDIDATES IN STENOGRAPHY

Keeping in view the deficient representation of Scheduled Castes in the cadre of steno-typists/stenographers and non-availability of such qualified personnel with the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board and State Employment Exchange, Govt. have decided to start a scheme namely "Setting up of Institute for Training to SC Candidates in Stenography. " during the year 1987-88.

Under this scheme, training in Punjabi and English stenography is imparted to un-employed Scheduled Caste Graduate Candidates who are below poverty line, at Stenography Institutes S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), Patiala, Ferozepur and Amritsar. The duration of training is one year. The number of seats are at Mohali 80 (40 Punjabi & 40 English) and at Patiala, Ferozepur and Amritsar, 25 English & 25 Punjabi in each centre. During training every trainee is given stipend @ Rs.750/- P.M. including facilities of Stationery etc.

Computer training will also be provided to the trainees during the session 2004-05 under this scheme. During the year 2005-06, Rs. 51.90 lac has been spent to cover 126 students. During the year 2006-07, Rs. 63.30 lac has been allocated.

30. TRAINING TO UNEMPLOYED SCHEDULED CASTE CANDIDATES FOR DRIVING-CUM-MECHANIC LIGHT/ HEAVY VEHICLES (SCA)

In order to provide employment/self-employment to the members of scheduled castes, a scheme, "Training for Driving Light/ Heavy Vehicles to Scheduled Castes" introduced by Welfare Department during the year 1994-95. The training was imparted to Scheduled Caste from the well reputed schools having necessary infrastructure and technical know how to remove small defects in vehicles in addition to driving. A stipend of Rs. 750/- P.M., per trainee was given and Rs. 1000/- P.M. per trainee also given to Training Schools/ Firms as training expenses for two months after the completion of the training the driving school were helping the candidates in getting the learning driving licenses to be issued to them. During the year 2005-06 there is a proposal to provide training in Driver-cum-Mechanic trade through Department of Industrial Training, Punjab as per the norms provide by NCVT. Duration of trainee will be one year. After completion of the training successful candidates will be awarded a National Trade Certificate of NCVT or SCVT as they are Trade Tested in the All India Trade Test. Under the scheme 7 units on their trial basis in Distt. Ludhina, Patiala, Hoshiarpur, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Kapurthala (Phagwara) are to started in the year 2005-06. For which a sum of Rs. 34.00 lac has been allocated, under which each trainee will be provided a stipend of Rs. 1000/-P.M. of beside other component of the scheme.

During the year 2005-06, Rs. 34.00 lac has been released to Director, Technical Education for implementation of the scheme and same amount has been allocated during the year 2006-07.

31. SCHEME FOR COACHING TO SCs STUDENT STUDYING IN 9^TH , 10^TH, +1 AND +2 LEVEL (SCA). (NEW SCHEME)

The S.Cs families are mostly poor, illiterate and backward who do not have conduct study atmosphere at home. Consequently, S.Cs students lack in studies as compared to the general students. This is one of the reasons of drop-out from the Schools and low academic standard among the S.Cs. The magnitude of the problem can be gauged by viewing the drop-out rate which is 63.14% from Ist to 10^th class among SCs. The higher drop-out rate and low academic standard is due to the reason that the syllabus above the middle standard have gone a sea change since Punjab School Education Board had adopted the pattern of Central Board of Secondary Education. With present syllabus and less conducive study atmosphere in the villages/basties home of SCs., it becomes imperative to provide extra coaching so as to improve the academic standard and to inculcate study habits among the SCs students so that the result seats meant for SCs students may be filled in various professional courses by the deserving candidates.

As such for the overall improvement of education standard among SCs students, there is need to provide extra coaching in the subject of English, Maths, Science for 9^th and 10^th classes and Physic Chemistry, Maths biology/English/ economic etc. as per the stream opted by the SCs students at the level of 10+1 and 10+2 level.

IMPLEMENTATION

i) At the initial stage the scheme will be implemented on pilot basis in each district of the State i.e. Kapurthala, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana and Bathinda.

ii) Prominent coaching institutes/academic of the selected districts located at different strategic points of the district will be selected on merit basis. Keeping in view, the performance of the institute in the past.

iii) 100 SCs students from each class 9^th, 10^th ,+1 and +2 will be provided coaching in each selected district. (50 students from rural areas and 50 students from urban areas).

iv) For providing coaching, centres/institute will be given actual tuition fees for full syllabus not more than Rs. 12000/- per student for class 10+1 and 10+2 and Rs. 8000/- per student for class 9^th and 10^th .

During the year 2005-06, scheme was not cleared by the Govt. and Rs. 320.00 lac has been allocated for the year 2006-07.

32. STRENGTHENING OF 108 COMMUNITY CENTRES FOR PROVIDING
EQUIPMENTS AND RAW MATERIAL (SCA)

The scheme of Community Centres was started in the year 1956-57. The main aim of the scheme is to provide training in cutting , tailoring and embroidery to women on Scheduled Castes belonging to BPL families and girls and women's of others Castes to reduce the social stigma of untouchability and helping them to be self employed and also enable them to supplement the income of their family.. These Centres are opened in those villages where the population of SC families is more then 40 and majority of them belong to BPL families. Proper building to run the Centre is provided by the concerned village panchayat/community.

There is one Lady Social Worker in each Centre, who is responsible for developing an urge for better living in Scheduled Caste village Women by providing an opportunity to get-together with the other high caste women of the village by holding Sewing and Adult Classes. One Lady Attendant (who is also trained dai) assists the Lady Social Worker. In addition to this, Balwari classes are held to impart non-formal pre-school education to children upto the age of six years. These Centres work from 9.00 A.M. to 4. 00 P.M.Duration of one year .During the the year 1997-98 raw material was supplied to each Community centres.The items prepared during the training are being sold on10 % profit . The income generated is being maintained as revolving funds to further run the centres. 20 Scheduled Castes trainees living below poverty line of each centres, after completion of their one year training successfully are given sewing machines free of cost .

During the year 2005-06, scheme was not cleared by the Govt. and Rs. 115.02 lac has been allocated for the year 2006-07.

33. PROVIDING OF EQUIPMENTS AND RAW-MATERIAL TO THE TRAINEES OF
TRAINING CUM PRODUCTION CENTRES(SCA)

The Scheme of Training cum Production Centre was started in the year 1977-78. The main aim of the scheme is to make the Scheduled Caste women and girls and boys of BPL families trained in the technical trades and to enable them to supplement the income of their families and awaken them for a respectable living. 24 Training cum Production Centres of different trades are sanctioned in the State like Readymade garments, handloom, canning, plastic goods, carpet making, leather goods . There is one post of Instructor of the concerned trade in each centre At present, 16 centres are working 8 posts of Instructors are lying vacant. These Centres work from 9.00 A.M. to 4. 00 P.M. Duration of training is one year During the year 1999-2000 and 2001-2002, an amount of Rs. 500/- per month, per trainee was provided as stipend and trade certificate were also given. Raw material was supplied and there after the items prepared by the trainees are being sold on 10% profit. . The income generated is being maintained as revolving funds to further run the centres under the Scheme 25 Scheduled Castes trainees living below poverty line of each centres, are given stipend @ 500/-per month per trainees.

During the year 2005-06, a sum of Rs. 38.40 lac was spent and Rs. 38.40 lac has been allocated during the year 2006-07.

FUNDING OF ECONOMIC VENTURES INCLUDING COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES: a) Purchase of Plots, b) Venture set up ( SCA)

This scheme is being implemented in two phases i.e. Purchase of Plots/ Booths and setting up of ventures. The subsidy for purchase of plot has been enhanced from Rs. 8000/- to 15,000/- from the year 2004-05. Loan is also provided up to maximum of Rs. 50,000/- by PSCFC through the Direct lending scheme for the construction of shop/establishment on the said plot and setting up of venture thereon (Karyana Shop, Electric Shop, Handloom, Transport Vehicles Scheme, Cloth Shop, Cycle Scooter Repair Shop, Goat Rearing Scheme and Shoe Making) Subsidy at the rate of 25% subject to maximum of Rs. 10,000/- is provided out of SCA.

34. CAPITAL SUBSIDY TO PSCFC UNDER BANK TIE UP LOANING PROGRAMME (SCA)

Under this scheme, rate and amount of subsidy is being provided to the BPL beneficiaries inconformity with the IRDP in view of the modification in IRDP, the subsidy under this scheme has been enhanced to 50% subject to maximum of Rs. 10,000/- as admissible under SGSY. Under this scheme, loan through commercial banks is provided to the SCs families living below the poverty line for their self employment i.e. (Karyana Shop, Electric Shop, Handloom, Transport Vehicles Scheme, Cloth Shop, Cycle Scooter Repair Shop, Goat Rearing Scheme and Shoe Making) . Capital subsidy @. 50% of the loan amount subject to the maximum of Rs. 10,000/- is provided out of SCA.

35. SC1.1: SHARE CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION TO PSCFC (51:49)(SS & CS)

The Punjab Scheduled Castes land Development and Finance Corporation was set up in the year 1970 with authorized share capital of Rs. 60.00 crores with a primary duty to undertake a task of economic upliftment of the members of the Scheduled Castes by providing financial assistance for employment generating schemes in the State. Under the scheme "Share Capital contribution to PSCFC", direct loaning is done by PSCFC out of its Share Capital provided by the State Govt. and G.O.I. in the ratio of 51:49 . The Corporation is implementing Direct Loaning schemes, Economic venture schemes and the schemes pertaining to the liberation and rehabilitation of scavengers. Besides this, the Corporation is also utilizing its share capital in varying proportions in the schemes being run in collaboration with NSFDC, NSKFDC & NHFDC Viz Karyana Shop, Electric Shop, Handloom, Transport Vehicles Scheme, Cloth Shop, Cycle Scooter Repair Shop, Goat Rearing Scheme and Shoe Making.

In addition to the above, the Corporation is implementing Bank-Tie-up loaning schemes through banks to the S.Cs. families living below poverty line. The Corporation is providing loans with very soft terms and conditions to S.Cs at very nominal rate of interest ranging from 0% to 8%P.A. for different income generating purpose.

36. SC 5.1 SHARE CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION/MARGIN MONEY TO BACKFINCO

BACKFINCO was set up in the year 1976 with authorised share capital of 1000.00 lac with a primary duty to undertake a task of economic upliftment of the members of the Backward Classes in the State. Out of the authorised share capital, State contributed Rs. 7.50 crores from 1976-77 to 1991-92. There are 69 Backward Classes notified in the State constituting approximately 12% population. Besides this, minority (Sikhs, Muslims, Christian, Parsi and Budhist) constituting 65% population as per 1991 Census are also covered under the scheme. As such Backward Classes and Minorities having tentatively 1 lakh and 3.50 lakh families respectively having annual income less than Rs. 54500/- in urban areas and Rs. 39500 in rural areas are benefited under the scheme. Under this scheme, share capital contribution to BACKFINCO and Margin money for NMDFC and NBCFDC and equity participation under NMDFC is provided for disbursing loans to the target group for various self-employment programmes viz Karyana Shop, Electric Shop, Handloom, Transport Vehicles Scheme, Cloth Shop, Cycle Scooter Repair Shop, Goat Rearing Scheme and Shoe Making at a nominal rate of interest ranging from 0 to 7% P.A. An outlay out of Rs. 1125.00 lakhs has been provided for the 10^th Five Year Plan (2002-2007)

Contact Address
Director, welfare deptt. of SC's & BC's
128-29/ Sector 34A
0172-2600588 (O)