Dalit Bandhu is the latest flagship programme of the Telangana government and is envisioned as a welfare scheme to empower Dalit families of the state. In this scheme, a sum of 10 lakhs rupees will be transferred to the Dalit family through direct benefit transfer by the Telangana government. 1 lakh crore is to be spent on this scheme and once implemented it will become the largest cash transfer benefit scheme. The scheme will be implemented in the Huzurabad constituency on a pilot basis and after that, it will be rolled out across the state in a phased manner.
The scheme aims to promote Dalit entrepreneurship by providing every possible assistance to Dalit families and enabling a lucid environment for their growth and prosperity.
Other Provisions: Apart from monetary, the scheme also contains some other provisions.
Data Security Fund
The scheme envisages for creation of a corpus to support the beneficiaries in the time of adversity.
A minimum amount will contribute to this scheme by the beneficiaries and the fund will be of permanent nature.
The fund will be managed by the District Collector and a committee of beneficiaries.
System of Reservation
the government has decided to start a system of reservations for Dalit in sectors where the government issues licenses.
The government will provide reservations for Dalit in issuing licenses for wine shops, medical shops, fertilizer shops, rice mils, etc.
The beneficiaries will be provided with a wide range of choices for selection to start their Endeavour.
Implementation: It will follow a two-fold mechanism
First of all, a survey will be conducted throughout the state to identify the beneficiaries.
The survey team will ask questions based on a questionnaire which will include a question about several members, educational qualification, employment details, earning members etc.
On the basis of that survey, data will be verified and a list of eligible beneficiaries will be prepared.
The beneficiary will be issued an identity card with an electronic chip, which will help the government to monitor the progress of the scheme.
SIGNIFICANCE
Dalit people often find it difficult to produce a guarantee to banks if they want to take loans. This scheme offers money without any collateral. This makes Dalit Bandhu Scheme a game-changer for Dalit welfare. It will provide benefits to 12 lakhs, Dalit families of Telangana, out of 17 lakh families. This will enable the upliftment of Dalits in their social, economic and political status.
CHALLENGES
- The scheme despite its noble features faces some challenges.
- The scheme requires a huge amount of funds that can increase the fiscal pressure on the government.
- The finding of eligible beneficiaries is also a big challenge in the proper implementation of the scheme.
- The scheme might turn out to be one of those populist schemes whose announcement seems surreal but implementation becomes futile.
Central government initiative for scheduled caste
- Babu Jagjivan Ram chhatrawas Yojana.
- Venture capital fund for scheduled caste.
- Credit enhancement guarantee scheme for scheduled caste.
- National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste students.
- Free coaching scheme for OBC and SC students.