Workshop on Budget Allocation for SCSP/STSP Welfare

A workshop was jointly organized by Social Watch and Palam Association in Chennai to discuss the budget allocation and welfare schemes for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. The discussions focused on the amount of budget earmarked for SC/ST welfare, the various departmental schemes available, and the challenges faced due to lack of awareness and underutilization of these schemes. It was strongly emphasized that SC/ST funds should not be diverted or reallocated to other departments, but must be fully utilized for the welfare of SC/ST people only.

The workshop encouraged participants to spread awareness in their communities to ensure that eligible individuals are able to access and benefit from these schemes. Representatives from the Tamil Nadu Dalit Women’s Movement, Saraswathi and Shanthi, took part in the discussions. Mr. Christudoss Gandhi, Founder of Palam Association, and Rev. Irudhayaraj, Director of Social Watch, along with several Secretariat staff members, elaborated on the budget provisions and departmental schemes meant for SC/ST welfare.