The Central Government informed the Rajya Sabha that two major schemes have been merged into other central schemes to avoid duplication in implementation. This change came into effect on March 31, 2023.
Under this, the ‘Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages’ and the ‘Dr. Ambedkar National Relief to SC/ST Victims of Atrocities Scheme’ have been merged with Centrally Sponsored Schemes operating under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989,.
The Minister stated that financial assistance is provided by the Central Government to States and Union Territories for the implementation of the ‘Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955’ and the ‘SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989’.
He stated that these schemes are administered by the respective state governments and Union Territory administrations. Furthermore, the responsibility for their effective implementation also lies with the states and Union Territories.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation continued to settle pending cases related to inter-caste marriages that had commenced prior to the merger of the scheme. Financial assistance was also provided to eligible beneficiaries by the Foundation.
According to the data, assistance was provided to 68 beneficiaries in 2023-24, 11 in 2024-25, and 378 in 2025-26. Thus, a total of 457 beneficiaries received financial aid amounting to ₹10.66 crore.
(PIB)
