(a) whether the Government has launched/proposes to launch any scheme for upliftment and development of women belonging to SC/OBC community;
(b) if so, the details and objectives of the said scheme and the quantum of funds allocated by the Government thereunder; and
(c) the number of women benefitted so far in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise particularly in the State of Punjab?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. For the upliftment and development of women belonging to SC/OBC, the details of various schemes implemented by this Ministry, funds allocation, number of beneficiaries, including in the State of Punjab, are at Annexure-I & II.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, in order to promote entrepreneurship among the SCs (including women) also provide long term finance needs of the industrial sector through a scheme namely ‘Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes’ (VCF-SC) which is implemented through IFCI. Details of companies provided financial assistance under the scheme of VCF-SC with SC women Directors and SC women entrepreneurs having atleast 51% shareholding in the company are given at Annexure-III.