Jammu 06.02.2025: The 2025 Budget has allocated a mere 3.32% of the total budget of ₹50,65,345 crores for Scheduled Castes, which is a clear indication of the government’s step-motherly treatment towards them. This allocation is particularly egregious considering that Scheduled Castes make up 16% of the country’s population ¹.
To add insult to injury, out of the allocated ₹1,68,478 crores, a whopping 94.2% (₹1,58,556.2 crores) has been diverted to non-essential schemes. This blatant misuse of funds meant for Dalit upliftment is unacceptable.
The breakdown of the allocation is equally disturbing. Only 5.8% (₹9,915.8 crores) is directly relevant to Dalits under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE). The highest allocation of ₹5,900 crores has been made for post-matric scholarships, while ₹577.96 crores has been allocated for pre-matric scholarships.
Furthermore, the budget for implementing the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act) and Civil Rights Act has been reduced from ₹500 crores to ₹463 crores. This is a clear indication of the government’s lack of commitment to protecting the rights of Dalits.
Other alarming diversions of funds include:
– *₹60 crores* diverted under the PM-DAKSH scheme, which also covers OBC, EWS, DNT, and transgender communities.
– *₹166 crores* diverted to the “India AI Mission”.
– *₹22,173.41 crores* diverted to the agriculture department, despite the government’s failure to implement land reforms and exploit Dalit laborers.
– *₹10,112.68 crores* diverted for urea subsidy.
– *₹18,270 crores* diverted from the Scheduled Caste budget for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
– *₹19,071.99 crores* diverted from the Scheduled Caste budget in the name of educational institutions, schemes, and schools.
These diversions are a clear indication of the government’s anti-Dalit policies and its lack of commitment to uplifting the Scheduled Castes.
RK Kalsotra, has urged Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes receive fair treatment in the 2025 budget for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir ¹.
Kalsotra’s request comes amidst concerns that the SC/ST communities have been historically marginalized and denied their rightful share of resources and opportunities. As the Chief Minister finalizes the budget, Kalsotra hopes that the needs and aspirations of the SC/ST communities will be taken into account, ensuring that they receive their due share of allocation and support.
It’s worth noting that Omar Abdullah has previously served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2015 and has been known for his focus on development and social welfare ². As the current Chief Minister, he will be responsible for allocating resources and prioritizing initiatives that benefit the SC/ST communities.