₹12,970 crore allocated under Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan; focus on education, livelihoods, hostels and competitive exam coaching schemes
Published on: March 16, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Monday passed grant demands worth ₹573 crore for the Scheduled Caste Development Department. Responding to the discussion on the department’s budget for the financial year 2026–27, State Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb said the government remains firmly committed to the social, educational and economic upliftment of Scheduled Caste communities.
The minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the government is working in accordance with the principle of “Mankhe-Mankhe Ek Saman” (all humans are equal), a message given by revered spiritual leader Guru Ghasidas. He emphasized that the state government is striving not only to protect the cultural heritage of Scheduled Castes but also to ensure their inclusive development.
Budget Allocation Increased
Minister Saheb informed the House that ₹7.15 crore has been allocated for Scheduled Caste welfare schemes and ₹565.89 crore for the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan, bringing the total budget provision for the department to ₹573.04 crore. This represents an increase of 7.88 percent compared to last year’s main budget allocation of ₹531.17 crore.
Major Provision Under SC Sub-Plan
In addition to the departmental allocation, the state’s overall budget includes a consolidated provision of ₹12,970.02 crore under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. The funds will be implemented through multiple departments and directed towards infrastructure development and welfare programs benefiting Scheduled Caste communities.
Focus on New Welfare Initiatives
Highlighting new initiatives, the minister said that ₹2.26 crore has been allocated for the creation of 30 new posts for establishing the Directorate of Scheduled Caste Development.
To support traditional leather artisans and improve their livelihoods, the government has also earmarked ₹2 crore for training programs and the distribution of essential materials.
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Expansion of Hostels and Educational Facilities
The minister informed that the state currently operates 342 pre-matric hostels, 92 post-matric hostels and 51 residential ashrams for Scheduled Caste students, with a total sanctioned capacity of 25,927 seats.
To address infrastructure gaps, the government has allocated ₹25 crore for the construction of new hostel buildings and related facilities. These projects will be undertaken in districts such as Bilaspur, Mungeli, Raipur, Jashpur and Bemetara.
For students unable to secure hostel accommodation in major cities, the government has allocated ₹2.5 crore under the Chief Minister Education Support Scheme to provide financial assistance. Additionally, ₹1 crore has been earmarked for educational study tours.
Competitive Exam Preparation Scheme
To help Scheduled Caste youth prepare for national and state-level competitive examinations, the government will launch the “CG Assistance for Competitive Examination” initiative. The program will include three components—‘Udaan’, ‘Shikhar’ and ‘Manzil’.
A total budget provision of ₹7.47 crore has been made for this scheme, enabling students to prepare for engineering, medical, UPSC, CGPSC, SSC, railway and banking examinations.
Development of Satnam Sect Pilgrimage Sites
The government has also made provisions for the development of pilgrimage sites associated with the Satnam sect founded by Guru Ghasidas. In the Giroudpuri Dham–Bhandarpuri region, facilities such as solar street lights, improvement of the Satnam route and construction of community buildings will be developed. A total of ₹2.5 crore has been allocated for these works.
Increased Allocation for SC Development Authority
The government has also proposed increasing the budget of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority, which focuses on the development of SC-majority districts. The allocation will be increased by ₹25 crore, raising the total budget to ₹75 crore.
Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb concluded by reiterating that the state government will continue working towards the empowerment and inclusive development of Scheduled Caste communities, guided by the message of equality and social harmony.
