Important Government Schemes under MoSJE for UPSC.

Government schemes are important part of UPSC preparation. Lets understand some of the important government schemes under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).

Important Schemes under MoSJE:

SHRESTHA

SHRESHTA aims to address educational gaps in areas dominated by Scheduled Castes (SCs) by offering high-quality education and socio-economic development for SC students.
Eligibility criteria include being a student belonging to SCs in either 8th or 10th grade in the current academic year, with a family income of up to Rs 2.5 lakh annually.
Implementation occurs through two modes: SHRESHTA Schools and NGO/VO Operated Schools/Hostels.
In SHRESHTA Schools, meritorious SC students are selected through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Selected students receive full financial support, covering school and hostel fees, ranging from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 1,35,000 annually.
A bridge course is provided to enhance students adaptability to the school environment, with the Department covering 10% of the annual fee for the course.
Monitoring of student progress is ensured through disclosure of performance on institution websites and an online portal, as well as the installation of cameras for live monitoring.
Institutions are subject to field visits by inspection teams for monitoring purposes.

National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) under MoSJE

The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR), initiated by MoSJE, spans from 2018 to 2025.
NAPDDR employs a multifaceted approach to mitigate the negative impacts of drug abuse nationwide.
Activities within the plan include educational initiatives in schools and colleges, interventions led by peers, and enhancing treatment facilities while training service providers.
Focused interventions in high-risk districts aim to decrease demand for addictive substances. Also to foster collective efforts among vulnerable individuals and groups.
Objectives of NAPDDR include raising awareness, reducing discrimination against addicts, offering community-based services for addiction treatment. Implementing comprehensive guidelines through collaboration, addressing all forms of drug abuse. Also mitigating the consequences of drug dependence on individuals, families, and society.

Atal Vayo Abhudya Yojana (AVYAY)

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) is a comprehensive initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It is aimed at ensuring a dignified life for senior citizens in India.
It acknowledges the valuable contributions of the elderly to society and aims to ensure their well-being and social inclusion.
In April 2021, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment renamed the National Action Plan for Senior Citizen (NAPSrc) to AVYAY and launched it.
AVYAY provides financial assistance to eligible organizations for running care homes for senior citizens.
Significant achievements under IPSrC include the support of 552 Senior Citizen Homes, 14 Continuous Care Homes. It is benefiting approximately 150,000 beneficiaries in 361 districts across the country.
Another component, the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY), aims to provide assisted living devices to senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities or infirmities.
AVYAY demonstrates the government’s commitment to the well-being and empowerment of senior citizens in India.

SMILE

“SMILE – Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise” scheme, incorporating a sub-scheme focused on comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals engaged in begging.
This scheme merges existing programs for beggars and transgender individuals and utilizes existing shelter homes for rehabilitation.
The scheme emphasizes rehabilitation, medical support, counseling, documentation, education, skill development, and economic opportunities.
It aims to benefit around 60,000 of the poorest individuals, offering them a chance to lead dignified lives.
Implementation involves collaboration with state/union territory governments, urban bodies, voluntary organizations, community-based organizations, and other institutions.
The comprehensive rehabilitation scheme specifically targets cities with high concentrations of beggars and was piloted in selected locations.
Funding has been allocated for skill development programs for beggars through institutions like the National Institute of Social Defence.
Census 2011 data indicates there are 4,13,670 beggars in India, with West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar having the highest numbers.

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana

PM-AJAY aims to reduce poverty in Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by creating additional employment opportunities through skill development, income-generating schemes, and other initiatives.
It seeks to increase literacy and encourage SC enrollment in schools and higher educational institutions. Done by providing residential facilities in quality institutions, particularly in aspirational districts/SC majority blocks.
The components of PM-AJAY include the development of SC-dominated villages into “AdarshGrams,” providing infrastructure for socio-economic development needs, and targeting improvement in identified socio-economic indicators across 10 domains.
Achievements under the Adarsh Gram Component include the declaration of 1834 villages as Adarsh Gram during the current fiscal year (2023-24).
Grants-in-aid for district/state-level projects, formerly known as Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan. It aim at socio-economic development through comprehensive livelihood projects, skill development, grants for creation/acquisition of assets, and infrastructure development.
Special provisions include allocating funds exclusively for viable income-generating economic development schemes/programs for SC women, and promoting SC women cooperatives.
Achievements include approving perspective plans for 17 states under the Grant-in-aid component during the fiscal year 2023-24.
Construction of hostels in higher educational institutions aims to enable SC students to attain quality education and reduce dropout rates. The cost norms vary based on regions, and 100% central assistance is provided for boys’ hostels.

Learn about important schemes on education and farming for UPSC.