A Look at India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) Schemes

Policy Update
Sumit Dahiphale

Background

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) has a history dating back to 1985-86 when it was bifurcated from the Ministry of Welfare. It has undergone various changes and reorganizations over the years, with different divisions and ministries added and removed.

In 2012, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) was further divided into two departments: 

  1. Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (Samajik Nyaya and Adhikarita Vibhag)
  2. Department of Disability Affairs (Nishaktata Karya Vibhag) has been renamed as Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Viklangjan Sashaktikaran Vibhag)

This move aimed to provide greater focus and attention to the specific needs of persons with disabilities. 

The  Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) promotes the welfare and empowerment of marginalised groups in India by formulating policies, coordinating with state governments, promoting awareness, providing protection and rehabilitation services, conducting research, and collaborating internationally.

Schemes

1) Scheme For Residential Education For Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)

The SHRESHTA scheme provides scholarships to worthy Scheduled Caste (SC) students to attend top private residential schools in India. Students qualify through an entrance exam and must have a family income below Rs. 2.5 lakhs. SHRESHTA covers tuition and hostel fees, and provides bridge courses. The scheme aims to enhance educational opportunities for SC students and promote their socio-economic upliftment.

2) National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)    

The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) is a comprehensive strategy to combat drug addiction in India. It focuses on prevention, awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation, aiming to reduce the harmful effects of drug abuse and integrate addicts back into society. The NAPDDR has established various facilities, including rehabilitation centres, peer intervention programs, outreach centres, and addiction treatment facilities, to provide comprehensive services to those struggling with drug addiction. Additionally, A toll-free helpline and teacher training modules have also been developed to support awareness and access to help.

3) Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)

The Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is a comprehensive program aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens in India. It provides financial assistance to organisations that run senior citizen homes, offering essential amenities, healthcare, and opportunities for productive ageing. Key features include monthly pensions, health insurance, life insurance, pension growth, and nomination facilities. AVYAY aims to create a society where senior citizens live healthy, happy, and empowered lives.

4) Scheme of National Awards for Outstanding Services in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse

The Government of India has instituted a Scheme of the National Awards for outstanding services in the field of prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (Drug) Abuse from the year 2013. The Awards were earlier conferred annually till 2014. However, the Scheme of the Award has now been revised and the Awards are now conferred biennially. The Scheme applies to Institutions and individuals working in the field of Prevention of Drug and Alcoholism Abuse. 

Objective: The objective is to recognize the efforts, and encourage excellence in the Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse and the rehabilitation of its victims.

Awards:  Three National Awards were successfully conducted on 26th June 2013, 26th June 2014 and 26th June 2016. (Till 24 JUNE 2018)

For more details visit: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/naospasa-bac 
https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/NA636078226610282667.pdf

5) National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC)

The National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes (NFOBC) is a scheme funded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to support OBC students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees. It offers financial assistance through Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) and Senior Research Fellowships (SRFs) to help students cover the costs of higher education and conduct research. The scheme aims to increase opportunities for OBC students in academia and research.

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/NFS_OBC_2020-21.pdf                                                                                                                        

6 ) Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls

The UGC’s hostel construction scheme aims to provide educational opportunities for socially and economically backward-class students, especially those from rural areas. By offering hostel facilities, the scheme enables these students to pursue secondary and higher education. The scheme provides funding for hostel construction, furniture, and equipment. The construction costs vary based on region, and the funding pattern differs for boys’ and girls’ hostels. The scheme aims to bridge the educational gap and empower OBC students.

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Guidelines%20Hostel.pdf 

7 ) Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for OBCs & EBCs

The scheme aims to financially support OBC and EBC students pursuing higher education abroad by providing an interest subsidy on educational loans. The subsidy covers the interest payable during the moratorium period and applies to specific courses. It is a one-time benefit and has certain eligibility criteria. The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on students and promote academic advancement.

8) National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

The Corporation aims to uplift the economic condition of backward classes by providing concessional financial assistance for self-employment ventures, skill development training, and education. It facilitates economic development activities, assists individuals and groups with loans and advances, and promotes skill development for various target groups.

9) Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)       

The PM-DAKSH Yojana offers skills training to eligible individuals from marginalised communities to help them find jobs or start businesses. It provides three types of training programs: up-skilling/reskilling, short-term training, and entrepreneurship development. The program is available to individuals aged 18-45 with family incomes below certain thresholds.

10) Pre- Matric Scholarships Scheme for Scheduled Castes & Others

The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes & Others is a government program that provides financial aid to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. It offers scholarships to Scheduled Caste students in grades 9 and 10 and children of parents engaged in unclean and hazardous occupations (grades 1-10).

Financial aid amounts vary depending on if the student is a day scholar or hosteller, with higher amounts for hostellers and students with disabilities.

To be eligible, students must meet certain criteria, including income limits and caste status for SC students etc. Applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal in April each year.  

For more details visit : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/90101653029266.pdf

11) Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students  

The Post Matric Scholarship for SCs aims to increase the enrollment of SC students in higher education by providing financial assistance for studies in India. The scholarship is available to students from the poorest households and is awarded by the State Government/Union Territory where the applicant is domiciled.   

For more details visit : https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/PMS_for_SCs_Scheme_Guidelines.pdf

12) Upgradation Of Merit Of SC Students  

The Upgradation of Merit of SC Students scheme aims to provide remedial and special coaching to SC students in classes IX-XII  to improve their academic performance and prepare them for competitive examinations. The scheme offers a packaged grant of Rs. 25,000 per student per year, including boarding and lodging charges, pocket money, books and stationery, and an honorarium for the coaching staff. Students with disabilities are eligible for additional allowances. The scheme is implemented in 19 States/UTs and covers a maximum of 2050 fresh students annually. 

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Upgradation%20of%20Merit%20Scheme.pdf 

13 ) Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC Students

The Top Class Scholarship Scheme for SC Students provides financial assistance to SC students pursuing higher education in India beyond Class 12. Eligible students must have an annual family income below Rs. 8 lakh, be admitted to a notified institution (IITs, NITs, etc.), and meet the minimum marks/rank requirements for the entrance exam. The scheme offers full tuition fee coverage, non-refundable charges, and an academic allowance. There is also a 30% reservation for girls. However, the scholarship continues only if the student maintains good academic standing and remains in the same institution.

14) National Overseas scholarship

The National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) is a scholarship program designed to assist low-income students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Laborers, and Traditional Artisans in pursuing Master’s or Ph.D. degrees abroad. It offers financial aid for tuition, living expenses, and travel. To qualify, students must have strong academic performance, and be under 35 years old. The scholarship prioritises universities ranked in the top 500 (QS World Rankings).

For more details and application information, visit : https://nosmsje.gov.in.

15) National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students

The National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students scheme, introduced in 2005-06, aims to provide SC students with opportunities for higher education leading to M.Phil/Ph.D degrees. The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) is the implementing agency. The scheme has seen steady growth in recent years, with a total of 1612 fellowships awarded in 2022-2023 (merged cycle Dec 2021 & June 2022). 

For more details visit : https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/16771690883108.pdf

16) Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students 

The Government of India provides free coaching to SC and OBC students for competitive exams. This scheme offers financial assistance to economically disadvantaged students to prepare for exams like UPSC, SSC, RRBs, Banking etc. Students can receive up to Rs. 75000 for coaching fees and a Rs. 4000 monthly stipend. To be eligible, students must have a family income of less than Rs. 8 lakh per annum and belong to the SC or OBC category.

For more details visit : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/42601703139505.pdf 

17) Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students

The Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC Students provides financial assistance to OBC students to complete their matriculation education. The scholarship is awarded based on family income and academic performance. The scholarship covers tuition, hostel fees, and other educational expenses. The scholarship is awarded for five years, from Class 6 to Class 10. The amount varies by class and state. Students receiving other government assistance may not be eligible. 

For more details visit : https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/csspremsobcsi#application-process 

18) Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) (OBC & Others) – 2021-22 to 2025-26.

The SHREYAS scheme offers scholarships for OBC and EBC students pursuing higher education. It combines two existing programs: National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC) provides fellowships for M.Phil. and Ph.D. studies, while the  Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loan for Overseas Studies for OBCs & EBCs Eligibility requirements and benefits vary between the two schemes.

For more details :
https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/SHREYAS%20Scheme.pdf 

19) SCHOLARSHIP FOR PM CARES CHILDREN

The “Scholarship for CARES Children” scheme provides financial assistance to children who have lost both Parents or legal Guardian or Adoptive Parents or Surviving Parents to COVID-19. Eligible children receive Rs. 20,000 per year, including a monthly allowance of Rs. 1,000 and an annual academic allowance of Rs. 8,000. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and is monitored by the Ministry of Women and Child Welfare. The scholarship is disbursed through DBT mode to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts. 

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/74011653393189.pdf 

20) Entrepreneurial Schemes of NBCFDC

The National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC) offers various entrepreneurial schemes to provide financial assistance to members of Backward Classes. These schemes include term loans for women, young professionals, and artisans, as well as microfinance schemes for women, small farmers, and vegetable vendors. The NBCFDC loan covers a significant portion of the project cost for all schemes. 

21) Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) 

The Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme for Scheduled Castes (CEGSSC) aims to promote entrepreneurship among SCs in India by providing financial assistance to SC entrepreneurs through MLIs. SC businesses can get loans from banks (MLIs) with a government guarantee for a portion of the loan amount (between Rs. 15 lakh and Rs. 5 crore). The scheme aims to facilitate economic development and employment generation for the SC population.

For more details :https://www.ifcicegssc.in/#No-back

22) National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC)

The National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC) is a government organisation established in 1997 to help Safai Karamcharis and their dependents. It provides financial assistance through SCAs, RRBs, and nationalised banks at concessional interest rates.

For more details visit : https://nskfdc.nic.in/

23) National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) 

The National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) is a government organisation that helps people from Scheduled Castes improve their financial situation. They offer loans, scholarships, and skill development training programs. Their loan programs have different interest rates depending on the type of loan and the beneficiary.

For more details visit : https://nsfdc.nic.in/en/about-nsfdc 

24) Scheme of Assistance to Scheduled Castes Development Corporations (SCDCs)

The Scheme of Assistance to Scheduled Castes Development Corporations (SCDCs) is a government program that helps fund state-level SCDCs. These SCDCs provide financial aid, like loans and subsidies, to Scheduled Caste families for economic development projects. They collaborate with banks, NSFDC, and NSKFDC to offer loans in various sectors like agriculture, small business, and services.

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/scdcorp09082019.pdf 

25) National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)

The National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) scheme aims to ensure the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. It provides various benefits to sewer and septic tank workers, including health insurance, training, safety equipment, and capital subsidies. The scheme also includes waste pickers and has subsumed the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS).

26) Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED)

The SEED scheme provides assistance to DNT communities in various areas. It offers coaching for competitive exams, health insurance, financial assistance for housing construction, and support for community-based livelihood initiatives. The scheme is implemented by the Board with concurrence from the IFD and MoSJE. State governments/UTs identify beneficiaries and issue necessary certificates. Funds are disbursed through the PFMS portal and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System. Grantee organisations submit utilisation certificates and remit interest earned to the Consolidated Fund of India.  

For more details : https://dwbdnc.dosje.gov.in/public/images/SEED_scheme_guidlines.pdf 

27) PM Special (Training of Geriatric Care Givers)      

The Training of Geriatric Caregivers scheme aims to address the shortage of professional caregivers for senior citizens in India. It provides training to individuals interested in working in the field of geriatrics. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment with the help of the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD). The scheme focuses on preparing trained manpower to meet the diverse needs of the elderly population, including recreational activities, alternative medicine, physiotherapy, and medical care.             

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/50571724831911.pdf 

28 ) Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) 

The SMILE scheme provides welfare and rehabilitation to transgender persons and people engaged in begging. It includes scholarships, skill development, medical care, housing, and legal support. The scheme aims to improve the lives of these marginalised communities. 

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/SMILE%20Guidelines_1649742207.pdf 

29 ) PM YOUNG ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SCHEME FOR VIBRANT INDIA FOR OBCs AND OTHERS (PM -YASASVI)                                                             

The PM-YASASVI scheme is an umbrella scheme that provides financial assistance to OBC, EBC, and DNT students. It includes scholarships for pre-matric, post-matric, and top-class education, as well as funding for hostel construction.                                                                  

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/65661651839791.pdf 

30) Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) 

The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) aims to improve the living conditions of Scheduled Castes (SCs) in India through income generation, skill development, and infrastructure development. The scheme is implemented in 28 states and UTs, with a focus on reducing poverty, improving socio-economic development in SC-dominated villages, and increasing literacy and school enrollment among SCs.                                          

For more details : https://socialjustice.gov.in/public/ckeditor/upload/73101654516076.pdf https://pmajay.dosje.gov.in/content/about-scheme 

Way forward

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) plays a critical role in ensuring a just and equitable society for all Indians. By formulating and implementing welfare schemes, providing financial assistance, and promoting social inclusion, the MSJE empowers marginalised communities to reach their full potential. However, they can also focus more on areas like outreach, skill development, digital literacy, and data-driven decision-making, so they can create a more impactful future for these groups and India.

References

About the Contributor :- Sumit Dahiphale is a Research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute, pursuing a BA in International Journalism. His research interests lie in Geopolitics, Defense and International Affairs. 

Acknowledgement :- The author would like to thank Arohi Sanyal and Sana Ansari for their valuable suggestions on the report.

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