SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN, SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES - A CASE STUDY OF KARNATAKA STATE

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1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF WOMEN, SCHEDULED CASTES AND SCHEDULED TRIBES - A CASE STUDY OF KARNATAKA STATE This chapter deals with a case study of Karnataka state with reference to socio-economic conditions and the implementation of protective discrimination clause to women and Scheduled Castes, scheduled tribes. History of Karnataka starts from the period of Banavasi, Gangas of Talakad, Chalukya of Badami,Rastrakutas of Malked, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Sevunas of Devagiri,Hoysalas of Dwarsamudra, Vijayanagara Empire, Bahamani kingdom, Adilshahis of Bijapura, Mysore rulers and british rule. During the British rule there were many Kannada speaking regions outside the Mysore princely states which were then became the languages capital. The British rulers had split the Kannada speaking regions into 20 administrative units including princely state the territory of Kodagu, and some districts in the Madras presidency the Bombay presidency and the Hyderabad state. After independence the Kannada speaking areas were grouped under only five administrative units the Madras and Bombay provinces, Kodagu, and princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad, In 947, Akila Karnataka Ekikarana parishat which held its meeting at Kasaragud, demanded for formation of linguistic states. Eventually the states reorganization commissions report came out in favour of the unification of all Kannada speaking territories under one state. This state which came into being on November, 956 was called Mysore. The erstwhile Mysore state has been renamed as Karnataka on November, 973. It is situated in the southern part of India and 74 to 78 east longitude. The total area of the state is,9,79 sq kms.it has a population of 5,28,50,562 of which 2,68,98,98 are males 2,59,5,644 are females, among these population, 85,63,930 are Scheduled Castes and 34,63,986 are scheduled tribes. For the purpose of administrative convenience the state has been divided 20

2 into four divisions with head quarters at Bangalore, Belagum, Gulbarga and Mysore. Further the entire state is divided into 29 districts and 75 taluks. For the purpose of studying socio-economic conditions and to find out how far constitutional benefits are reaching the weaker sections. i.e., women, the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes four districts of Karnataka state have been selected such as Bijapur, Chamarajanagar, Kolar and Raichur. For empirical study.800 respondents including women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been selected on random basis from the above four districts. Besides 340 women, 340 Scheduled Castes, 20 scheduled tribe respondents 40 SC/STs officers, 40 Dalit leaders women and 20 Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes political representatives including MLA s, MP s have been selected on random basis for extracting various information relating to the problems of women, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. In order to get information from all the respondents, interview schedules and questionnaires were prepared and administered to them individually. Sincere attempts have been made to meet Dalit leaders, officers and MLA s and MP s to obtain relevant information on the socio-economic conditions of the women, Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. In addition to this, important government departments like, Directorate of women and child development department, Bangalore, social welfare department, Directorate of scheduled tribe welfare department, Ambedkar Development Corporation, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Zillapanchayat officers of Bangalore, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar have been consulted for obtaining information about the socio-economic development programmes made for the benefit of the women, Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. 2

3 6. Programmes for women under the state government Following are the different development progrmmes launched by the Karnataka Government for the upliftment of women Directorate of Women and Child Development Department a. Stree Shakthi Scheme: The main aim of this scheme is to make the rural women self-dependent through organizing the women into one lakh self help groups. This project has been initiated exclusively for the women. In Karnataka state by for the development of the self help groups of women to make use of the development services available in various departments and such information would be provided through these departments. Financing institutions are introduced and action would be taken to provide loans. To encourage Stree Shakti Groups which have shown exceptional performance in terms of savings government has announced a novel scheme to give additional incentive of Rs 5,000 to Stree Shakti Groups which have saved more than Rs 75,000 and Rs 20,000 to those groups who have saved more than Rs one lakh. b. Comfort (shantwana) Scheme: Under this scheme if a woman, is subjected to rape and atrocities, the government provides the economic and legal assistance. Aggrieved women can use free telephone no 09 from 8:00 AM to evening 8: 00 PM and can receive the calls. In Karnataka all the 27 district centres and important taluk centres 39 self service institutions, help lines can be used. Suppose any woman is in danger she can be protected through the assistance of police. In order to assist the women in litigations, government provides Rs 2000 to the advocate along the Court Fee. The primary object of this scheme is to help the women to face the litigations in the law courts for getting justice. In case any woman is subjected to dies then the Govt. could deposit Rs 0,000 in the name of the children of the deceased women in the nationalized Bank for their educational purpose. c. Training Programmes to Women: To enable the backward women under self employment scheme, the government provides training programmes in 22

4 various fields like, T.V Repair, Radio repair, Watch repair, training in typewriting and stenography, fashion and clothing technology, vehicle driving, cell phone repair etc. During the period of training, government provides the economic assistance to the women to lead the independent life. d. Economic assistance to the girls to run the hostels in rural areas: In order to encourage the girls education in rural areas and avoid the dropouts of girls in school the government through the departments and self service centre runs the hostels. At present 24 hostels are running in rural areas in the Karnataka state. Pre- metric and post-matric rural area girl students can get the benefit under this scheme. e. Training Programme for Women Law Graduates: To encourage and to assist the unemployed women law graduates, the government through the department provides advocacy training to them. The training programme will be given for a period of four years during which they are provided a sum of Rs.000 per month as a stipend. The government also provides Rs 460 to enroll the name and Rs 500 for the purchase of required law books. This training for women law graduates is to facilitate them to have independent profession and earn their livelihood. f. Widow Pension Scheme: The government provides the widow pension to the widows under this scheme. Once a woman losses her husband it is very difficult to lead the life with out any sources. Under this scheme government provides the social security to the widow. For the purpose of geting the widow pension, she must have attained the age of 8 years. She must be in difficult condition and financially needy person. Her annual income should not exceed more than 8,000. She should be residing in Karnataka state not less than three years. She should not obtain any other pension from the government under the scheme of widow, until she goes for remarriage or till her death, would be entitled to get widow pension of Rs 400 every month. g. Karnataka Women Development Planning: In order to avoid the gender discrimination and to bring the women to the main stream of the development this scheme was implemented since 996. Karnataka state is the first state in 23

5 India which started this women development scheme. Under this scheme the Karnataka government reserves the /3rd resources to women and more than 200 schemes are being implemented through 25 departments. h. Women Reservation in Employment: Karnataka government has reserved 30% of the posts in direct recruitment. At present there are about 96 departments and 75 Corporations and Boards are functioning in the state s which are also providing reservation women under various schemes. Till this day large numbers of women are recruited under the reservation policy. i. Special Unit for Eradication of Social Evils: Special unit are established which are working in various districts. Their duty is to create the awareness about the social evils like, Dowry, Devadasi, Child marriage and other social evils. These special units conduct various awareness programmes in the districts to educate the women folk. In order to strengthen the women, economically and socially these units chalkaout various schemes for conducting workshops and conferences in different districts to create the awareness in the mind of women. j. Kittur Rani Chennamma Award: the Government of Karnataka has established Kittur Rani chennamma Award and giving the award every year for those women who have involved in the following work;. Women who have been working in field of women development. 2. Women who have involved in the rehabilitation programmes for those who are facing many social problems and deserted women. 3. Voluntary service organizations and social workers which are rendering social service to the women folk. Besides good social and individuals a sum ofrs and would be given every year. Since , awards are also being given to those women who have contributed more in the field of Art, Literature, Education and Sports. Veera mahile award is also given to one woman every year for the development of valanur. k. Assistance to the Widow and Devadasis Marriage: The poor widow and Devadasis to lead the dignified life in the society, the government provides Rs 24

6 0.000 financial assistance for their marriages. In order to avail thus benefit a poor widow should be the age group between of 8 to 35 years. She should be residing in Karnataka since more than 5 years. As marriage expenses a sum of Rs would be given to the couple and the remaining amount of Rs will give to a woman through national savings certificate. If the bride is devadasi she gets Rs l. Bhagya Laxmi Scheme: This scheme is implemented in the year of 2006, in order to improve the conditions of the girl child in a family where is is below poverty line. In order to give moral courage to such families (i.e., below poverty line family) this scheme is essential. Under this scheme if two girls are born in a below poverty line (B.P.L) they are only eligible to get Rs The government would deposit the amount in the name of the girl child. After attaining 8 years of age, they are eligible to get back the amount with interest. m. Compensation for the death of Anganawadi worker and Anganawadi assistant: Anganwadi workers and assistants are working in state anganawadi centers on the basis of honorary amount. They are from poor family and depend upon the honorary amount. If they die death their family losses the security. On the humanitarian ground the government provides a sum of Rs for the death a Anganawadi and a sum of Rs for the death of Anganawadi assistant. For the purpose of claiming the compensation they must work for minimum one year andmust produce death certificate and service certificate. 6.2 Programes for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Social welfare department programmes for SCs & STs: In Karnataka, the department of social welfare and the Scheduled Tribes welfare department are implementing various programmes for the development of the conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The several amelioration programmes are being implemented for the educational, social and economic advancement of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. They are as follows: a) Educational development programme. 25

7 b) Economic development programme. c) Social development programme. d) Scheduled Castes and Scheuled tribes sub plan programmes Educational development programme: For the purpose of innovating the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students, the above department has undertaken the following programmes. i) Cash prize: For the purpose of developing the competitive sill and mind as well as to inspire the scheduled caste and schedule tribe students to obtain maximum marks in their examinations compared to the other students, both the departments are providing the following cash prize to them, who secure first class with distinction in first attempt in the following examination. Details of the examination & cash prizes a) S.S.L.C Rs b) P.U.C Rs c) Degree Rs d) Post graduates Rs e) Medical & Engineering degree Rs In addition to the above prizes, the social and tribal welfare departments provide a cash prize of Rs.5000 to those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students who obtain rank in the above mentioned examinations. ii) Pre-metric Hostels: Among the various developmental programmes, educational development programme plays an important role. For the educational development of rural scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students as well as those students who are not able to study in the urban areas outside their homes, both the departments providing the hostel facilities. The following table shows the expenditure, which is being incurred for each pre-metric students who is staying in the hostels. 26

8 No Details of the facilities given for one year: Details Food (Meals expenditure) Cloths (two pairs school uniforms) Books Hair cutting New paper (for every hostel) Medical expenses (for every hostel) Electricity & water charges (for every hostel) Bed and Blanket (for every student) Utensils Sport & equipment (for every hostel) Miscellaneous Amount Source: Hand book published by the department of social welfare, government of Karnataka. In addition to the above facilities the both departments have been providing scholarship to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe rural students, who are below poverty line, to continue their education. The both departments provides financial assistances to those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe hostels run by private individuals. Besides, many residential schools have been established in rural areas to inspire the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe children to join the schools. These children provided with food, uniform, books, pencils, pens and other basic amenities free of cost by the government. In Karnataka state there are 202 residential schools for Scheduled Castes and 375 residential schools for scheduled tribes. In addition to this 75,476 scheduled caste students and 32,626 scheduled tribe students are utilizing the benefits provided by the government. iii) Study Tour expenses: The social and tribal welfare departments are also provides financial assistance to the students belonging to Scheduled Castes and 27

9 Scheduled Tribes who are required to go for education excursion if it is made as a part of college curriculum. For this purpose, a sum of Rs.000 is provided to each of the student, who are studying in various institutions. iv) Book Bank facilities : The both the above department are also established the book bank scheme in Medical, technical, veterinary, Agricultural and job oriented courses and post graduates courses etc, to assist scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students who are unable to purchase the prescribed texts. No Details Medical, Homeopathy, Allopathic and Ayurveda Technical Veterinary science Agriculture Other job oriented courses for each college, post graduates courses Medical, technical, veterinary science, Post graduates course (for each college) L.L.B (3 year) L.L.M 2 (years) (for each college) Charted accountant. M.B.A./ Bio science (for each college) Almyrahs to keep books (for each college) Amount Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs Rs For this purpose, the department every year collects the list of required books from the above colleges and purchase the books. Having purchased, the same would be sent directly to those colleges for the benefit of scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes students one set of books will be given to every 3 SCs and STs Students. The following table shows the amount earmarked for the purchase of required books and furniture. IV) Government of India Post-metric scholarships: With a view to assist scheduled caste and schedule tribe students who are studying in various colleges, the government of India provides post metric scholarships at the following rates. Besides, this for the purpose of encouraging the scheduled caste and schedule tribe students studying in various courses the state government also provides scholarships as per the following rates. 28

10 No Scholarship for hostel students and non-hostel students (Per month in Rupees) Details Group A Medical, agriculture/veterinary/ fisheries/ homeopathy. Group B Diploma courses: technical/medical/ fisheries /agriculture / other graduate courses 2 Group C Certificate courses, technical/ medical/ fisheries/ agriculture/ other post graduate courses 3 Group D General degree courses: B.A/ M.A/ M.Sc./ M.com/ M.B.A. / Law etc 4 Group E P.U.C and other general courses Hostel students Non- Hostel Students For the purpose of encouraging and inspiring those scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students who are doing research work in various universities, the social and tribal welfare departments provides student fellowship to the extent of Rs.8000 for M. Phil students and for Ph. D. students. This assistance is provided to meet the expenditure relating to collection of data, purchase of important books and completion of research work. In addition to this, the department also provides engineering equipments including calculators, T-squares, drawing boards to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students who are studying in various engineering colleges and polytechnics free of cost. VI. Pre Examination training centre: To facilitate scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidate appearing for IAS, IPS and Railway examinations, Bank examinations, other competitive examinations a separate preexaminations training centre is started in Bangalore. 29

11 VII Assistance to SC/ ST girl students: The female literacy has greater impact on the educational, social and other development aspects of the community. Therefore, considering the payment of Rs. 00 as pre-metric scholarship to the students in 8 th to 0 th standard is insufficient, Rs 500 is also given to encourage girl students of SCs/STs to continue their school studies. This programme has also been extended to 6 th and 7 th standard students with Rs.250 per annum per student, along with Rs.75 as regular scholarship Economic Development Programmes: In order to encourage the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and to develop them economically, the social and tribal welfare departments have been launched the various programme such as, i. Woman s Tailoring training centres: The above departments are established the tailoring training centers to the unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe women. Under this scheme amount Rs 250 allowance will be provided to the trainees in tailoring training centre per month. Free tailoring machines will be supplied to the successful trainees. This training object is to start tailoring profession and there by to earn their livelihood. ii. Training programme for Law Graduates: To encourage and to assist the unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe law graduates, the departments of social and tribal welfare provides advocacy training to them. For this purpose, every year law graduates would be selected and sent for training in the courts identified by the candidates. The training programme given will be for a period of four years during which they are provided a sum of Rs.000 per month as a stipend. The department also provides a sum of Rs.5000 to each selected candidate for the purchase of required books and journals, which are useful for legal profession. These enable the scheduled 220

12 caste and scheduled tribe unemployed law graduates to start their independent profession and earn their livelihood. iii. Self-Employment training programme : Under this programme the social and tribal welfare departments provides training to the unemployed young scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates in various fields like, Autorickshaw driving, light and heavy vehicle driving. The training will be give for a period of one month, during which a sum of Rs.300 will be given as a stipend to each selected candidates. Those who successfully complete their training will be provided with licenses. The main object of this programme is to help the unemployed young scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates to take up independent jobs for their livelihood. iv. Navachetana programme: under this scheme, educated SC/STs youths are being given occupational training such as, computer training, D.T.P, light vehicle driving training, air hostess, pilot training, fashion designing, beautician, automobile and electrical repair, multimedia technology and heavy vehicle driving training etc. This will also help them to start their own enterprises to improve their standard living. Under this scheme, unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youths are selected and deputed to various public enterprises to undergo training in different professions for a period of one year. During this period the trainees will be given stipends and accommodation. Besides, the department will bear the entire expenditure incurred on this training programme. Following are the important public enterprises identified by the department for providing training to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates. a) C-DAC training institute b) Saint Johan s Medical college c) Karnataka Land Army Corporation 22

13 d) Karnataka state Tourism Development corporation e) Karnataka soap and detergent corporation f) Karnataka power corporation g) Karnataka electricity Board v. Nursery and women welfare centers: The social and tribal welfare departments have been set up 40 nursery cum women welfare centre for the children of scheduled caste and 28 women welfare centers for the scheduled tribe in Karnataka state. These departments provide many facilities to look after the children who join these centers. The main object of this programme is to make the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe rural children between the age group of 3 to 5 to cultivate the habit of going to schools for learning. In each centre 50 (boys and girls) will be admitted. In each centre one welfare organizer and one conductress will look after the care of the children. In addition to this, the conductress and organizer will teach the lesson in text books, songs, moral stories and other activities. At present 7450 scheduled caste children and 400 Scheduled Tribes children are getting the benefit. Details of facilities provided Amount (in Facilities Rupees) Mid day meal (for each child) per day Rs Two pair of uniform (for each child) per year Rs For maintenance of cleanliness in the centre (for one centre) per year Source: Handbook published by the Social Welfare Department, Karnataka Social Development Programmes: Rs For the purpose of eradicate social evils like, untouchability, caste system the department of social welfare has launched the following programmes; i. Incentive amount for the spouses of Inter-caste marriage: To encourage the inter-caste marriage and to eradicate the social evil like, untouchabiltiy from the Hindu society, the department of social welfare provides incentive amount to the spouses of inter caste marriages. A sum of Rs (Fifty 222

14 thousand only) will be given to the spouses for their social security. Out of this amount, Rs is given in the form of national saving certificates and remaining amount of Rs is given in the form of cash. To avail this facility, either of the spouses of inter-caste marriage shall be registered in the sub-registrar s office in accordance with the government regulations. ii. iii. Financial assistance to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are subjected to atrocities: Keeping in view of various atrocities committed against member of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by the upper caste or the non-scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, the department of social welfare provides compensatory amount to the aggrieved families ranging from Rs to Rs following are the attractive recognized under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) Act 989 and the range of compensatory amount provided by the department. For temporary handicap: If a member of scheduled caste or scheduled tribe is temporary handicapped by the member of other castes, such person will be given a compensatory amount of Rs If he is permanently handicapped, then a sum of Rs.5,000 will be given to such aggrieved person by the social welfare department. In addition to this amount he will also be given a monthly pension of Rs.000. iv. Destruction of property: If any member of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes whose property or house is destroyed by the members of the upper castes, the aggrieved member will be given compensatory amount ranging from Rs to Rs or he will be provided with a site or a house or one acre of cultivating land to ameliorate his economic conditions. v. Rape: If a woman, belonging to scheduled caste or scheduled tribe, is subjected to rape, she will be paid a sum of Rs as a compensatory amount. 223

15 vi. Death due to atrocities: Under special circumstances, the government provides employment to any one of the family members of the deceased person, whose death occurred due to the atrocities, committed against him by the caste Hindus or upper castes. Besides the government also provide free education to the children of the deceased person. vii. Untouchability removal programme: The main object of this programme is to remove social evil like Untouchability from the Hindu society and to promote the feeling of oneness for this purpose, the government selects one village in each legislative constituency and spends a sum of Rs for conducting various programmes like seminars, workshops and camps to the members of the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Through these programmes awareness is created on various facilities and benefits conferred by the government as well as on the constitutional rights and privileges for securing justice and equality. Besides, through these programmes, the members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are informed to utilize the facilities provided to them by the department of social welfare. viii. Legal aid programme: In order to assist the members of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, who are unable to approach the law courts, as they cannot afford to pay court fees and lawyaer fees, the government has established legal aid cell in each district to provide legal assistance in civil, criminal and land acquisition cases, the entire court fee and other expenditure will be borne by the government. The primary object of this programme is to help the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to face the litigations in the law courts for getting justice. 224

16 6.2.4 Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub Plan Programmes: Following are the department through which different facilities are provided to the members of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. i) Agriculture: Agriculture department is implementing the various programmes for the development of Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. Such as Supply of seeds, plants protection equipments, fertilizer etc. Processing of agricultural produces and marketing facilities is also provided to scheduled caste and scheduled tribes beneficiaries. It also provided financial assistance to purchase diesel pump sets for lifting water from the tanks. For the purpose of storing water, financial assistance is also given to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe farmers to construct concrete tanks. ii) Department of Horticulture: The department of horticulture provides intensive training in horticulture to the selected candidates who belong to scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The duration of the training programme will be for a period of 0 months. During this period, the trainees will be paid a sum of Rs, 350 as monthly stipend along with required uniforms, plates, glasses and blankets. Besides the department provides financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to develop coconut trees and fruit gardens, if they have half acre and one acre land respectively. The financial assistance provided to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes rural youths varies in its range from Rs. 000 to 2000 every year. National Bank for agriculture and rural development (NABARD) has also come forward to provide 50% of financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who raise loan for the development of horticulture department for the development of coconut, almond, cardamom, pepper, beetle leaves, grapes, mango, guava, pomegranate, pineapple, ginger, rose etc. iii) Department of sericulture: The department of sericulture provides financial assistance to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who take up sericulture. Nearly four thousand scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families 225

17 are depending on this sericulture for their livelihood. For the purpose of assisting the members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and to develop the sericulture, the department has launched various programmes. Such as, Community development centres: The department has setup many centres in each taluk to provide silkworm eggs to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers free of cost. The centre also provides technical advice to the farmers to develop silkworms on a scientific basis. Each beneficiary would be given basic facility for the improvement of silkworm eggs. Financial Assistance: Department provides financial assistance to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers for the construction of houses for silkworm rearing. As silkworms are very delicate and often react to the fluctuation atmosphere, they are kept in a proper atmosphere. Besides financial assistance to the extent of 60% would be provided for growing mulberry leaves as well as to dig bore wells in their land to use this water for sericulture. The department also provides basic facilities like baskets, fertilizers and required equipments with free of cost. Both the state government as well as central government provides financial assistance under Special Aid Scheme. All these benefits are provided to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers to enable them to improve their economic conditions. iv) Department of Animal Husbandry: The department of animal husbandary has launched various programmes in accordance with the NABARD S regulations for the development of hybrid cows, buffaloes, sheep and pigs. The important programmes are as follows. Supply of hybrid cows: Under this scheme, the department spends a sum Rs for each beneficiary, out of this amount, 60% of the amount is given in the form of loan. The amount covers one pair of cow, construction of a cowshed, cattle feed and fodder for the cows. Every year, more than 500 beneficiaries are benefited from this scheme. The main object of this scheme is 226

18 to assist the unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe youths to take up self employment and to earn their livelihood. Supply of good breed buffaloes: Under this scheme, the Karnataka milk federation provides to each scheduled caste and scheduled tribe beneficiary a pair of buffalo and a shed. The department of animal husbandry also provides a sum of Rs to each beneficiary, which includes maintenance expenditure, fodder for the buffaloes, and construction of a shed and purchase of one pair buffaloes. The department also conducts a training programme to the beneficiaries to know more about the rearing of buffaloes. Supply of sheep: The animal husbandry department provides 20 female sheep and one male sheep to each scheduled caste and scheduled tribe beneficiary. A sum of Rs.0,000 is given to each beneficiary, which includes insurance, maintenance, fodder, construction of a shed, purchase of sheep and rearing. This scheme enables the beneficiaries to improve their economic conditions. Development of milking cows: The Karnataka milk production unit has established nearly 2,000 co-operative milk centers all over the state. The object of these units is to provide milking cows to rural people in general and scheduled caste and scheduled tribe in particular on loan basis. Each unit provides 60% financial assistance to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers to purchase one pair of milking cows. This amount covers construction of shed, fodder, for the cows, maintenance and insurance. Besides, the department of animal husbandry also provides financial assistance to scheduled caste and scheduled tribe formers as well as the unemployed youth to purchase milking cows. This enables them to start their own profession and to earn money by selling milk. In due course, they can improve their economic condition. Department of women and child development: The department of women and child development provides nutritious food to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe pregnant women as well as to the children, below the age of 3 years through Anganawadi centers. The main object of this programme is to provide nutritious food to the pregnant women to protect their health. This is 227

19 because, many pregnant women, who belong to Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, do not take nutritious food during pregnancy period due to poverty and ignorance. Consequently, when a child is born, it suffers from many handicaps. The forest department: The forest department, to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes provides social security plantations are taken up where in the beneficiary will be assisted to raise special security plantation for a period of two years, Rs 2750 per beneficiary for half hector. The entire yield from the social security plantation will be given to the beneficiaries. In addition to this, supply of bamboos, cane, and housing materials are also provided by the forest department. Besides, the forest department also provides financial assistance is Rs. 0,000 to construct the house to the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe members. Department of village and small scale industries: The department of village and small scale industries, in order to improve the economic conditions of the Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes, imparting the various training programme like, blacksmith, carpentry, bee-keeping cane and bamboo crafts etc., during the training period provide Rs 50 to 350 per month per trainee. After training they will be given free tool kit worth Rs 2,500 to take up self employment. The programmes main object is to establish their own industry in which they are trained. Marketing facilities for the products are provided by the department. The rural development and panchayat raj Department: Under integrated rural development programme various schemes like, S JGSY, SGRY, grants to grama panchayat, grants to panchayat raj institutions, development grants and rural energy programme etc., certain funds are being earmarked for Scheduled Castes and scheduled tribes. The main object of these programme is to provide economic support, employment and better standard living through productive programmes. Housing schemes: For the purpose of providing houses to the poor and houseless scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The department of Zilla 228

20 Panchayath, constructs houses under various schemes like., Ashraya Yojana, Ambedkar Yojana, Indira Awaj Yojana and integrated tribal development yojana under Ashrya Yojana Scheme the department constructs houses in 20X30 dimension. Out of the total constructed houses, 30% houses will be provided to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes free of cost. Where as, the houses constructed under Ambedkar Yojana scheme, 00% houses would be provided only to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes free of cost. Likewise 66% of houses will be provided to the poor scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes under Indira Awaj Yojana, where as 00% houses would be provided to poor scheuduled tribes free of cost. Under Integrated Tribal Development Yojana, the total cost of each houses constructed under these schemes would be Rs It is observed that from these schemes, many poor and homeless Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have been benefited to a greater extent. 6.3 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation ltd., Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation is corporation wholly owned by Government of Karnataka. This corporation is implementing various schemes for target group for their economic development in the state. Even earlier to Independence the erst while Mysore state had initiated a number of welfare schemes to ameliorate the poverty among the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the state. However, in the year 975 the state government headed by late Sri. Devaraj Urs established the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation to assist the scheduled caste and Scheduled Tribes families in the state for their economic development. On this corporation was renamed as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation Limited. This Corporation has been implementing various schemes for Scheduled Castes only. As Karnataka State Scheduled Tribes Corporation has been working separately since This corporation helps Scheduled Castes beneficiaries for improving economic condition and brings them to the main stream of the society. 229

21 Following are the various economic development programmes for the benefit of Scheduled Castes. Among them, important are as follows: I. SELF-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMME:. Self Employment Scheme 2. Improvement Small Business (ISB) Scheme 3. Direct Loan Scheme 4. Training Programme 5. Micro Credit Scheme 6. Micro Credit Finance Scheme 7. Mahila Kisan Yojana 8. Mahila Samrvudhi Yojana II. LAND PURCHASE SCHEME III. GANGA KALYANA SCHEME. Community irrigation 2. Individual Irrigation Borewell 3. Lift Irrigation IV. SAFAI KARMACHARI REHABILITATION PROGRAMME: 6.3. Self Employment Programme:. Self Employment Scheme: Under this scheme, the corporation provides financial assistance to the unemployed scheduled caste youths, to establish their own self employment. Financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 50,000 would be provided to the selected candidates for petty shop, vegetable vending, Cycle shop, dairy, bullock cart, etc., through their service area bank. The corporation is releasing subsidy at 50% of the unit cost or Maximum Rs. 0,000 which ever less is and remaining will be bank loan with reference to unit cost. 2. Improvement Small Business (ISB) scheme: Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to start a small scale Industry, to purchase passenger goods vehicle, tractor, etc., the project cost under this scheme is Rs. 50,000 to Rs lakh. The scheme consists of 20% Margin money at 4% inerest per anum, 5% promoter s contribution and the 230

22 remaining is Bank loan. Applicant is also eligible for maximum of Rs. 0,000 subsidy up to the unit cost of Rs..00 lakh provided he is in the below poverty line list. To avail assistance under this scheme, his family annual income should not exceed Rs. 50,000 in urban areas and Rs. 40,000 in rural areas. Under this scheme, most of proposals are being received for vehicles. Based on demand, availability of raw materials, Marketing facility, profitability in the district, the schemes like, Mini Dairy, power loom, Footwear, silk Twisting, Bricks Manufacturing, poultry, piggery, coir products, growing of Grapes, Floriculture are to be identified and recommended to bank. 3. Direct loan scheme: The Direct Loan Scheme is started implementing since The Maximum Unit Cost fixed is Rs lakhs. The term loan is obtained from (National scheduled caste Finance Development Corporation) NSCFDC, Margin Money loan and subsidy will be given by the corporation. Under this scheme, there is 20% Margin money Maximum of Rs..00 lakh at 4% interest per annum, 5% is promoters contribution and the balance is term loan from the NSCFDC. Loans up to Rs lakhs is charged 6% interest per annum and loans above Rs lakhs interest will be charged at 8% per annum. To avail the benefit under this scheme, his family annual income should not exceed Rs in urban areas and Rs. 40,000 in rural areas. If Applicant is below poverty line can give the 0,000 subsidy. 4. Training Programme : The corporation conducts training programme for the Scheduled Castes in the field of fashion and clothing technology, fashion Knitwear and production technology, plastic processing technology, plastic mould design with auto cad. Call center and B.P.O training, cell phone repair, vehicles driving, Heavy and light vehicles Auto rickshaw training, masonry, Bar bending, Leather works. The corporation is proposed the other job oriented training prorammes like, Hotel Management, House keeping, swimming coach, Gardner, Interior 23

23 flower Decorated for the Scheduled Castes, Those who are studied up to SSLC, SSLC and above, PUC and Degree courses, training will be conducted separately. The training will be given in Government institutions wherever possible and available and other training will be given through Tender System. 5. Micro credit scheme: This scheme is implemented for the Scheduled Castes in co-ordination with National Scheduled caste Finance Development Corporation Limited, New Delhi. To avail these scheme assistance beneficiaries should be below the poverty line. The scheme is implemented by obtaining subsidy from taluk panchayat, Zilla panchayat, social welfare department and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Departments. Loan facilities are provided to the individual and self help groups below the poverty line and also to the well functioning self help groups, sthree Shakthi groups of women and Child Welfare Department Verifying their seniority, savings and aptitude to serve. As per the new guidelines issued by National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, Maximum Unit Cost is Rs out of which Rs will be term loan from NSFDC at 5% interest. And the remaining amount of Rs. 0,000 is the subsidy obtainable from Zilla Panchayat, urban Development department, Social welfare department and other Department where subsidy is available to start small economic activities. 6. Micro Credit Finance Scheme: The Government of Karnataka has announced a scheme called Micro Credit Finance Scheme for the development of the economically weaker sections of the society, particularly Scheduled Castes. This scheme for the development of SC s belonging to semi urban or urban areas people who are skilled or unskilled can start their own petty Business activities. By organizing the self help group of beneficiaries, with the help of other Government department and nongovernmental organizations, a scheme has to be worked out 232

24 and implemented. Under the Micro credit scheme for the self Employment scheme, 50% of the society, subject to a Maximum of Rs has to be sanctioned in the name of each beneficiary and the remaining Rs loan is to be given to self help groups. A bank account has to be opened and the account payee cheques issued for the purpose should be credited to the bank account. Self help groups must give loans to the beneficiaries at 5% interest. These self help groups organizations must return the loan amount along with 4% interest to the corporation. % of the interest can be kept by the self help groups as service free and they can use this amount for their activities. The loan amount has to be repaid in quarterly installments, (Jan 30 th, Sept, 30 th, Dec, 3 st and March 3 st ). A grace period of 6 days can be given to self help group organizations to repay the loan to the corporation. If they fail to repay loans and become defaulter, penal interest at 5% will be charged. 7. Mahila Kisan Yojana: National Scheduled Caste Finance Development Corporation and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Development Corporation jointly started a new scheme called Mahila Kisan Yojana for small and Marginal scheduled caste women farmers to start agriculture and mixed farming related economic activity at concessional rate of interest having income less than Rs. 40,000. To avail this benefit the beneficiaries should be scheduled caste women from rural areas. Her annual income should be les than Rs. 40,000. She should be a small or marginal farmer. The total unit cost is Rs. 50,000 of which 50% is subsidy, maximum of Rs. 0,000. The rate of interest is 5% per annum. The beneficiaries have to repay the loan in 40 quarterly installments. 8. Mahila Samvrudhi Yojana : Under this scheme unit cost is Rs. 25,000 of which Rs. 5,000 is term loan and Rs. 0,000 is subsidy. The term loan is obtained from NSCFDC and subsidy is obtained from social welfare Departments. Urban Development Department, Rural Development and panchayat Raj Department. It is 233

25 exclusively for women beneficiaries to start small economic activities. The term loan interest is 4% per annum. The scheme is implemented through self help Groups. The repayment is 30 quarterly installments. The concerned self help group is responsible for repayment Land Purchase Scheme: Under Land Purchase Scheme, financial assistance in the form of loan and subsidy is provided to land less agricultural labourers belonging to Scheduled Castes to purchase a Minimum 2 acre of dry land or.acre of wetland. Under this scheme, 50% will be subsidy and 50% will be term loan. Term loan will be obtained from National Scheduled Caste Finance Development Corporation. The loan carries 6% interest per annum which has to be repaid in 0 annual equal installments. The cost of the land is fixed by the committee headed by the Deputy Commissioners of the Districts. The main object of this scheme is to identify those scheduled caste farmers who have no land for cultivation and improve their economic status and to earn independently. The lands which are suitable for cultivation should be selected. The land to be purchased must be with in radius of 5 KM from the residence of the beneficiaries, preference should be given to taluks where the target was not achieved earlier. The women beneficiaries are to be selected only in the Grama Sabha conducted by the Zilla panchayat in every half year. After completion of the loan amount, the beneficiary will become the owner of the land Ganga Kalyana Scheme: Under this scheme, the corporation provides irrigation facilities to the Scheduled Castes small farmers who have block land, the irrigation facility include, tube well, pumpsets, electricity, pump house and pipe line. Under this scheme, there are three sub-schemes. a. Individual Irrigation Borewell b. Community Irrigation Borewell c. Lift Irrigation Scheme. 234

26 a. Individual Irrigation Bore well Scheme: Under this scheme, small and Marginal farmers, whoever owning Minimum 2 acres and Maximum 5 acres, were identified as beneficiaries. Bore wells drilled, pumpsets, fixing pipes and other accessories also taken care. The unit cost is Rs..00 lakh in which Rs. 86,000 is the subsidy. Met by the state Government Rs. 4,000 is the loan component, raised on small and marginal farmers. The object of this scheme is to enable the small and poor farmers to cultivate their land grow more and more, so that they can achieve economic stability. b. Community Irrigation Scheme: Under this scheme, the scheduled caste small and Marginal farmers who owns agricultural land contiguously adjourning to the next neighbour with minimum 8 acres, maximum 5 acres such blocks identified as one unit under community irrigation, borewells were drilled. In this the corporation providing pumpset, laying pipelines, digging trenches, extending power facility is also included. It is a farmers benefit oriented and included community participation. In this scheme, incurred expenditure with minimum Rs lakhs, maximum Rs lakhs. The entire amount is subsidy. c. Lift Irrigation Scheme: Under this scheme, the corporation provides irrigation facilities to the scheduled caste small and marginal farmers. Wherever perennial water sources like lake, river, cannel etc., were identified for implementation of the scheme. In this scheme water facilities includes, pumping through locomotive system, passing through pipelines and also with small trenches. In this scheme, corporation has incurred minimum Rs lakhs, maximum Rs lakhs per unit. Entire amount incurred treated as subsidy. 235

27 6.3.4 Safai Karamachari Rehabilitation Programme This programme has been renamed by the Government of India and named as self employment Scheme for Manual Scanvengers are identified, they have been rehabilitated by availing financial assistance from Government of India. For the purpose of rehabilitate to the safai karmacharis various loan facilities are extended to the activities like, sanitary mart, provision store, leather work, Automobile workshop, piggery, STD Booth, piggery, Ready made cloth shop, orchestra, video-graph, auto-rickshaw, taxi, concrete mixer etc., for hiring purpose. Financial assistance availed from NSKFDC and extended to the beneficiaries as term loan and also subsidy, subsidy ceiling maximum Rs. 2,500. In this scheme, state share is also included and treated as Margin loan and subsidy. Dependents of Manual Scavengers were also included and extended benefits under this scheme. Women group were also included to empower them under Mahila Samvrudhi Yojane. Financial assistance extended starting with a Minimum of Rs..00 lakh to Maximum Rs lakhs. In this subsidy component is 0%. The corporation also provides training to these safai karmacharies in the different fields to take up self employment for their livelihood. NSKFDC has released grant for giving 6 month training in Advanced Diploma in Software Technology who have passed PUC and 3 months training in PC Hardware and Networking diploma for those who have passed SSLC for 525 candidates for each course. The training will be given by the institute in places where more number of candidates or in places where the institute has training centeres. A stipend of Rs. 500 will be given to those who have been selected for training. Wide publicity should be given where there are more number of Safai karanachari candidates should be identified and the list should be sent to the Head Office. 236