NEW DELHI — Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to social justice, announcing that ₹7,981.47 crore was disbursed to over 75 lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries during the 2025–26 financial year.
The funding underscores a strategic push toward educational empowerment and targeted welfare for India’s most marginalized communities, including SCs, OBCs, transgender persons, and sanitation workers.
Significant Growth in Educational Support
Scholarship schemes for SC students saw a substantial year-on-year increase compared to FY 2024–25, highlighting a focused investment in grassroots education:
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Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: 21% increase in expenditure.
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Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: 11.23% growth in funding.
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Top Class Education Scholarship: 13.5% rise for elite higher education support.
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SHRESHTA Scheme: 16% increase for residential education in targeted areas.
Broadening the Safety Net
Beyond student scholarships, the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is intensifying its focus on diverse vulnerable groups:
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Social Finance: Disbursed ₹223 crore in finance during FY 2025–26 to support entrepreneurship and economic stability.
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Inclusive Mandate: Programs cover a wide spectrum, including senior citizens, De-notified Tribes (DNTs), victims of substance abuse, and those engaged in manual scavenging or begging.
Minister’s Perspective
Dr. Virendra Kumar emphasized that these targeted interventions are essential for ensuring that development is truly inclusive. By increasing funding for high-school residential programs and professional scholarships, the government aims to bridge the socio-economic gap and provide a robust foundation for the educational advancement of marginalized youth.
