New Delhi | April 24,2026 | SKY LINK TIMES
Govt Disburses Rs 7981 Cr:
In a major push toward social equity and educational empowerment, the government has disbursed ₹7,981.47 crore to more than 75 lakh Scheduled Caste (SC) beneficiaries during the financial year 2025-26. The funds were released under various welfare schemes administered by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
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Strong Focus on Educational Empowerment
The disbursement primarily targeted schemes aimed at improving access to education among marginalized SC communities. According to the official statement, several scholarship programs witnessed notable year-on-year growth.
The Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SC students and others saw a significant 21 per cent increase in expenditure compared to the previous financial year. Similarly, the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for SCs recorded an 11.23 per cent rise, while the Central Sector Scholarship of Top Class Education for SC students grew by 13.5 per cent.
These increases highlight the government’s continued emphasis on enhancing educational opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.
SHRESHTA Scheme Gains Momentum
The Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) also registered a 16 per cent increase in spending over FY25. This scheme is designed to provide quality residential education to SC students in identified regions, aiming to bridge educational gaps and promote long-term socio-economic development.
NSKFDC Expands Financial Inclusion
In addition to scholarships, the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) played a crucial role in extending financial assistance. During FY26, NSKFDC disbursed ₹223.47 crore in concessional loans to 29,448 beneficiaries.
Notably, nearly 97 per cent of these beneficiaries were women, indicating a strong push toward gender-inclusive development. The average loan size increased to ₹77,000, marking a 16.67 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
With an authorised share capital of ₹785 crore and paid-up capital of ₹720 crore, the corporation has cumulatively disbursed ₹3,340.67 crore, benefiting over 6.08 lakh individuals since its inception.
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Long-Term Commitment to Social Justice
Operational since October 1997, NSKFDC focuses on the socio-economic upliftment of safai karamcharis, waste pickers, manual scavengers, and their dependents through concessional finance and support initiatives.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment continues to oversee a wide range of welfare programs not only for SCs but also for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), senior citizens, transgender persons, victims of substance abuse, Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Conclusion
The ₹7,981 crore disbursement in FY26 reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen social justice frameworks and improve educational and financial access for marginalized communities. With rising allocations and expanded outreach, these initiatives are expected to create lasting impacts across India’s socio-economic landscape.
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