Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department

Policy Note - 2004 - 2005

Demand No. 4

The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population together constitute nearly 20.04% of the State population – Scheduled Caste population accounting for 19 % and the Scheduled Tribe 1.04% of the State population of 6,24,05,679 ( 2001 Census ). 70% of the Scheduled Castes and 85% of the Scheduled Tribes are living in rural areas. Socially disadvantaged groups of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes need a constant special focus for their socio- economic advancement. Government has taken several steps by framing appropriate policies needed to design and implement various welfare programmes for achieving the objectives of creating favourable environment to ensure speedy socio-economic development of Adi Dravidars and Tribals. Major ameliorative activities for these communities are grouped under educational development, economic development, Special Component Plan for Adi Dravidars and the Tribal Sub Plan for Tribals. TAHDCO implements the economic development programmes in addition to the regular economic development programmes implemented by various sectoral departments for the benefit of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with specific target coverage for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department is implementing all the programmes and schemes effectively for the economic and educational advancement of these people.

Thrust on Education

The literacy level of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is very low compared to the general literacy rate. Recognizing that education provides opportunities for a permanent change in the socio-economic status of these people, this Government gives top priority to education. Hence out of a sum of Rs.448.91 crores provided in the Budget Estimate for 2004-2005 to this Department, more than 70% is earmarked for schemes related to education.

This Department is running 1018 Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools and 277 Tribal Residential Schools. The details of schools, with student strength are as follows:

District-wise details are given in Statements II, III and IV.

Providing educational facilities nearer to the habitations of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is the prime concern of this Government. With this in mind, the schools under the control of this Department are upgraded to their next stage in a phased manner depending upon the need and availability of funds. During 2003-2004 the Adi Dravidar Welfare Middle School at Mathanam, Nagapattinam District was upgraded into High School and 10 Primary Schools into Middle Schools. Regarding Tribal Residential Schools, 5 Primary Schools were upgraded into Middle Schools and 5 Primary Schools were opened in Tribal areas. Apart from these 16 Ekalvya Schools were opened in Integrated Tribal Development Programme areas.

To induce the eagerness of students in Computer Science 31 high schools have been supplied with computers. Computer Science education has been introduced in 62 Higher Secondary Schools. It is noteworthy to mention that 99.80% of Scheduled Caste boys and girls came out successfully in Computer Science in +2 Public Examinations held in March 2004.

42 Adi Dravidar Welfare high schools have been equipped with laboratory buildings. As far as higher secondary schools are concerned, construction of laboratory buildings have been completed in 59 schools. During the last year alone, new science laboratories were established in one Adi Dravidar Welfare Higher Secondary School at a cost of Rs.16 lakhs and 4 Adi Dravidar Welfare High Schools at a cost of Rs. 10/- lakhs per school.

1. Tuition Fee Concession

Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / Scheduled Caste Convert to Christianity students studying in Government and Government aided educational institutions are totally exempted from the payment of tuition fees, without any income limit.

2. Free Education

Free education is provided upto degree level. The details of amount spent and the number of beneficiaries during the last 3 years are detailed below:-

Free Education for Girls upto Postgraduate level

The Government is very much concerned about the development of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe girls in the field of higher education. Hence, this concession of Tuition fee has been extended upto Postgraduate level from the academic year 2001-2002. The details for the last 3 years are given below:-

3. Educational Scholarship

( a ) Prematric scholarship

The Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / Scheduled Caste Convert to Christianity students studying in standards VI to X are exempted from the payment of special fees. This Government reimburses the loss incurred by the concerned educational institutions on account of the exemption granted.

Similarly the Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / Scheduled Caste Convert to Christianity students studying in Standards X and XII are exempted from the payment of Public examination fees. The entire amount is paid to the Directorate of Government Examinations by this department.

( b) Prematric Scholarship (Government of India Scheme)

Scholarship is given at the rate of Rs. 40/- to Rs. 75/- per month to the children of those engaged in unclean occupation studying as day-scholars in Standards I to X irrespective of their community, religion and income. For hostellers Rs. 300/- is paid per month in respect of students studying in standards III to VIII and
Rs.375/- per month for students studying in standards IX and X. Besides, adhoc grant of Rs. 550/- for day-scholars and Rs. 600/- for hostellers are given per annum with effect from 1.4.2003.

The details of amount spent and the number of students benefited under this scheme are given below:

( c) Postmatric Scholarship (Government of India Scheme)

Under the Government of India scheme, a maximum amount of Rs.330/- is granted per month for the Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe students pursuing further studies as day scholars beyond X standard so as to incur the compulsory expenses like purchase of note books, etc. and compulsory fees payable by them to the educational institutions provided the annual income of their parent / guardian does not exceed Rs.1,00,000/-. In the case of students, studying as hostellers, a maximum amount of Rs.740/- is paid as maintenance allowance per month depending upon the class in which they study. Besides this, all the compulsory fees payable by the students are granted directly to the Government and Government aided educational institutions. The expenditure incurred and the number of beneficiaries are furnished below for the last 3 years:-

The district-wise details are given in Statement no. XI.

The Book Bank Scheme is implemented for the academic development of students pursuing Medical, Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary, Polytechnic, Law, Master in Business Administration, Chattered Accountant, Bio-Sciences and other similar technical courses. Under this Scheme, one set of Books for every 2 students worth of Rs.2400/- to Rs.7500/- are bought and distributed. From the year 2003-2004 onwards, this scheme has been merged with the Government of India postmatric scholarship scheme.

( d ) Post matric Special Scholarship Scheme ( State)

Similarly under the State Government scheme, Postmatric State Special Scholarship is given to Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / Scheduled Caste Convert to Christianity students at the rate of Rs. 65/- to Rs. 125/- per month towards maintenance charges and compulsory fees for day-scholars pursuing further studies beyond X standard, provided the annual income of the parent / guardian does not exceed Rs. 50,000/- In case of hostellers, a sum of Rs. 115/- to Rs. 280/- per month, towards maintenance charges and compulsory fees is paid as scholarship depending upon the class in which they study.

The heads of educational institutions are the sanctioning authorities in respect of all postmatric scholarships under the Government of India scholarship as well as the State Scholarship regulations. For the purpose of State Special Postmatric Scholarship, the Industrial Training Institutes and other courses for which a pass in S.S.L.C. is not necessary for admission are also treated as postmatric courses and therefore eligible for this scholarship. The details of this scheme for the past 3 years are given below:-

The district-wise details are given in Statement no. XII.