Does the Union Budget 2024-25 Allocate Ample Funds for SC-ST Communities? NCDHR Calls for Revision

New Delhi- The Union Budget for the Financial Year 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is scrutinized under the lens of India’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’.

This principle reflects the intent to address the needs of all citizens, especially marginalized communities. However, a critical analysis reveals significant shortfalls in addressing the socio-economic needs of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), raising questions about the government's dedication to this transformative promise.

The National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) has raised alarms regarding the allocation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The budget earmarks Rs. 1,65,493 crore for SC welfare and Rs. 1,24,909 crore for ST welfare.

However, only Rs. 46,192 crore is directed towards targeted schemes for SCs, and Rs. 41,730 crore for STs.

Notably, allocations under crucial scholarships such as the National Overseas Scholarship and post-matric scholarships show a mixed picture, with significant gaps in funding that demand immediate redress.

The trend in diversion of the large portion of the allocation to general schemes still continues. It is to be noted that Dalits and Adivasi along with other marginalized sections of the community are still far away from mainstream society in terms of education, employment, ownership of land, and protection against communal violence and atrocities.

The loosening grip of the Set guidelines currently known as Development Action Plan for Scheduled Caste-DAPSC and Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribe-DAPST on the union budget strongly questions the political will of the government.

The diverse socio-economic map of the country calls for a unique and multisectoral approach to address the developmental needs of the communities, but does our Union Budget reflect the political will and deliberate action of government towards these developmental needs? It is largely debatable.

Budget Allocation Overview

For FY 2024-25, the total Union Budget allocation stands at ₹51,89,144 crore. The allocation for the welfare of Scheduled Castes is ₹1,65,493 crore, while Scheduled Tribes receive ₹1,24,909 crore.

Despite these figures, the actual allocation under targeted schemes remains limited. For SCs, only ₹46,192 crore is allocated, and for STs, ₹41,730 crore. This reveals a discrepancy in funding directed towards specific, impactful schemes.

Key Areas of Concern

Scholarships and Education:

The National Overseas Scholarship has been allocated ₹95 crore for SCs and ₹6 crore for STs, which is relatively modest.

The post-matric scholarship, a crucial support for higher education, has seen a slight reduction for SCs at ₹6,349.97 crore, whereas STs have received an increase to ₹2,374.15 crore from last year's ₹1,970.77 crore. Advocates demand an increase in this allocation to ₹10,000 crore to meet the educational needs of these communities.

Land Ownership and Livelihood:

Land ownership and sustainable livelihood are vital for the socio-economic empowerment of SCs and STs. However, there is no notable increase in allocations for land ownership or disaster relief specific to these communities.

Housing and Rehabilitation:

Land ownership, sustainable Livelihood, food security, Disaster Relief, and Protection against atrocities are some of the core developmental areas that require attention, and exclusive and adequate allocation for Dalit and Adivasi communities because they are the most vulnerable and susceptible to Socio-economic discrimination and Disasters.

The eviction of the Slum dwellers, Forest dwellers, and dependants are serious human rights issues that need intervention but no allocation has been made for the rehabilitation of evicted people from the Slums in the union budget. Under the housing Schemes for Scheduled Caste, Rs17,164,31 cr. has been allocated and Rs.14,105,91cr. has been allocated for Scheduled tribes which needs an increase.

Sanitation Workers:

Dalits comprise the largest Sanitation workforce working as Safai Karamchari in the country but sadly the human rights component is swiped under the rug on the pretext that sanitation work issues are nothing but the issue of Mechanisation.

The total allocation under the NAMASTE Scheme is Rs.116.94cr. and the total allocation for the National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation is Rs.0.01.cr. The rampant death of Dalit Safai Karamchari in the sewage and manhole is still prevalent yet preventable, who is accountable and how long will it take for the MS Act of 2013 to work on the real ground?

Protection Against Atrocities:

The allocation for the implementation of the Prevention of Atrocities Act (POA) and the Protection of Civil Rights Act (PCR) is only ₹550 crore. NCDHR highlights the increasing crimes and atrocities against Dalits and Adivasis, calling for enhanced funding to safeguard their rights and ensure justice.

NCDHR calls for the immediate attention of the Government to protect the rights and entitlement of the Dalit and Adivasis through adequate allocation under the targeted schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe and prevent the diversion of funds to general schemes.

NCDHR urges the government to consider these critical issues in the revised budget estimates and to prioritize adequate funding for schemes that directly impact Dalit and Adivasi communities. The promise of socio-economic justice and inclusivity must be reflected in actionable and equitable budgetary provisions.