Budget Track, Volume 9, Track 1-2
Amidst the debate on the poor implementation of Special Component Plan (SCP; introduced for SCs in the 1970’s) across the country, the Andhra Pradesh Government has come out with the landmark SCP legislation, providing it a strong legal framework. Further, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formed an inter-ministerial committee to look into the drafting of the SCP Bill at the national level and a draft bill has been circulated to States and Union Ministries for comments. On the same lines, the Government of Rajasthan has formulated a Draft Bill on Schedule Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in the State and asked for feedback and comments from various stakeholders. Also, given that the 12th Five Year Plan envisages effective implementation of SCSP as the essential instrument for accomplishing inclusive growth with respect to SCs, in fulfillment of its broader agenda of ‘Faster, More Inclusive and Sustainable Growth’, it is worthwhile to see where we are in terms of achieving the said objectives.
