Draft Special Component-Plan 2006-2007

Abstract

Constitutional provisions exist for protection and promotion of the interests of weaker sections of society. In conformity with the Directive Principles, social justice is an avowed goal of the state policy. In view of this the development and welfare of members of Scheduled Castes (SC) is one of the major concerns of the State Govts, in India. Due to age old inhospitable social system, members of the SC community people have remained neglected, victimized and exploited as a result of which they are still socially, educationally and economically backward. The incidence of poverty and unemployment is much more pronounced among Scheduled Castes. Most of them are below the poverty line, posses meager assets and are dependent upon wage labour, subsistence farming, leather work, or similar low income generating occupations.