(a) whether 50 per cent of the people belonging to the Scheduled Castes in the country are living below poverty line;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to implement any special measures for the upliftment of the people belonging to the Scheduled Castes in the country and particularly for Andhra Pradesh; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
(SHRI VIJAY SAMPLA)
(a) & (b) As per data released by the erstwhile Planning Commission, 31.5% and 21.7% of Scheduled Castes in rural and urban areas respectively were below poverty line in the year 2011-12.
(c) & (d) The following schemes are being implemented for welfare of Scheduled Castes in different States, including Andhra Pradesh:-
1. Post Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes Students.
2. Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas yojana.
3. Upgradation of Merit of Scheduled castes Students.
4. Pre Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes Students studying in IX and X.
5. Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowships for Higher Education.
6. “Top Class Education” for Meritorious Students.
7. National Overseas Scholarship.
8. Free Coaching Scheme for Scheduled Castes.
9. Assistance to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations.
10. Special Central Assistance (SCA) to Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP).
11. Equity Support to National Scheduled Castes Finance & Development Corporation.
12. Assistance to States/UTs for implementation of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
13. Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAGY).
14. Assistance to Voluntary Organisations working for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes.
15. Credit Enhancement Guarantee Scheme.
16. Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes.