Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department

Policy Note - 2006 - 2007

Demand No. 4

Accordingly, the objective of the Government is that all sections of the people in the society should live without any disparity. As per 2001 census, out of the total population of 6.24 crores, the population of Adi Dravidars is 118.58 lakhs and that of Scheduled Tribes is 6.51 lakhs which constitutes 19% and 1.04% of the total population respectively. The Government is very concerned about their backwardness in Society. Further, the literacy level of the Adi Dravidar is only 63.19% and that of Tribal is 41.53%. It is low when compared to the overall literacy rate of the State which is 73.45%. The reason for this can be attributed to their economic plight, lack of education and social disparities. These factors are closely associated. To overcome this pitiable condition, this Government has committed itself to implement socio-economic welfare schemes and to impart quality education for the advancement of the above targeted group.

Education alone is the protective weapon for the Adi Dravidar and Tribals to elevate them from this drudgery. Hence, this Government is committed on promotion of quality education to this community. Accordingly, out of a sum of Rs.567.83 crores provided in the Budget Estimate for 2006-07 to this Department, more than 75% is earmarked for schemes related to education.

There are 1048 Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools and 283 Tribal Residential Schools under the control of this Department. About 2,01,386 students are studying in Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools and 36,447 students in Tribal Residential Schools.

I. ADI DRAVIDAR WELFARE

1. Government concessions extended to Adi Dravidars of other religions

This Government has taken a decision to ensure that the concessions available to the Adi Dravidars are extended to Adi Dravidars who follow other religions also.

2. Tuition Fee Concession

Social transformation could be achieved only through education. This Government is therefore determined to impart education to all Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe. In order to implement this, all students who belong to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity studying in Government and Government aided educational institutions are totally exempted from the payment of tuition fee. There is no income limit to avail this concession. Free education is provided to these students upto degree level. A sum of Rs.154.97 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

3. (a) Special Fee and Examination Fee Concessions

The students whose parental income does not exceed Rs.1,00,000/- or Rs.50,000/- per annum are eligible to get Government of India or State Government Post matric Scholarships respectively.

The students whose parental income exceeds the above limit are exempted from payment of Special Fees and Examination Fees. A sum of Rs.90.00 lakhs has been provided for the year 2006-07. About 7,000 students will be benefited through this scheme.

(b) Special Fee and Examination Fee Concessions to Post Graduate Girls

The girl students who pursue Post Graduate courses, whose parental income exceeds the limit prescribed by Government of India and State Government for the Post matric scholarships, are exempted from the payment of Special Fees and Examination Fee. A sum of Rs.50.00 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07. About 1,090 girl students will be benefited.

4. Special Incentive Scheme for encouraging girls’ education

Realising that education is essential for the upliftment of women, the Government is implementing various special schemes for this purpose. Under the special scheme of encouraging girls’ education and to ensure their 100% enrollment, a sum of Rs.50/- per month is given for 10 months for 60,000 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe girls studying in Standards III to V. So far as Scheduled Caste girls are concerned, this scheme is being implemented in the educationally backward districts viz. Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Vellore, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Karur and Nagapattinam. However, Scheduled Tribe girls in all districts, except Chennai are covered under this Scheme. Similarly to encourage the continuance of their studies after entering Standard VI, 30,000 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe girls are given a sum of Rs.100/- per month for 10 months in all districts except Chennai. A sum of Rs.6.00 crores has been allocated for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

5. Educational Scholarship

(a) Pre-matric Scholarship

Various Scholarships are given to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students to continue their studies. The Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste Converted to Christianity students studying in Standards VI to X are exempted from the payment of special fees. The loss incurred by the concerned educational institutions on account of the exemption granted, are reimbursed by this Department.

Similarly the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity Students studying in Standard X are exempted from the payment of examination fees. The entire amount is reimbursed to the Directorate of Government Examinations by this Department.

(b) Pre-matric Scholarship scheme for the children of those engaged in unclean occupation

The children of those engaged in unclean occupation are given this scholarship irrespective of their religion, caste and income. The day scholars studying in Standards I to V are given Rs.40/ -, Rs.60/- for Standards VI to VIII and Rs.75/- for Standards IX and X per month. The children who stay in the hostel are given Rs. 300/- per month for Standards III to VIII and Rs. 375/- per month for Standard IX and X. Besides, adhoc grant of Rs. 550/- per annum for day scholars and Rs. 600/- per month for hostellers are given under this scheme. A sum of Rs.599.09 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

(c) Post - Matric Scholarship

The Post Matric Scholarship is given to those students who continue their studies beyond standard X. Under the Government of India Post Matric Scholarship, the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students, whose parental income does not exceed Rs.1,00,000/- per annum are given a maximum of Rs.330/- per month to meet the compulsory expenditure such as purchase of note books, etc. and compulsory fees payable by them to the educational institutions. However, in case of students staying in the hostels they are given a maximum of Rs.740/- per month as maintenance allowance depending upon the class in which they study. Besides this, all the compulsory fees payable by the students are paid direct to the respective Government and the Government Aided Educational Institutions.

A Book Bank Scheme was implemented for the academic development of students pursuing Medical, Engineering, Agriculture, Veterinary, Polytechnic, Law, Master Degree in Business Administration, Chartered Accountancy, Bio-Sciences and other similar technical courses. Under this scheme, one set of books for every two students worth Rs.2,400/- to Rs.7,500/- were given. From the year 2003-04, this scheme has been merged with Government of India post matric scholarship scheme and is being implemented.

(d) Post-Matric Special Scholarship Scheme

The State Government also extends post matric Special scholarship to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Castes Converted to Christianity whose parental income does not exceed Rs.50,000/- per annum. The students who pursue further studies beyond Standard X, the day scholars are given Rs.65/- to Rs.125/- per month, towards the maintenance charges and compulsory fees depending upon the class in which they study. In respect of hostellers, Rs.115/- to Rs.280/- per month is paid depending upon the class in which they study under this scheme.

The Industrial Training Institute and other courses, for which a pass in S.S.L.C. is not required for admission, are also treated as post matric courses, for award of this scholarship.

Further the students studying in 12th Standard are exempted from the payment of examination fees. The entire amount is reimbursed to the Directorate of Government Examinations by this Department.

The post matric scholarship of Government of India, as well as that of the State Government are sanctioned through the head of the educational institutions.

6. Higher Education Special Scholarship

The scheme of Loan Scholarship was converted into grant based scheme known as "Higher Educational Special Scholarship" (HESS). Those students whose parental income does not exceed Rs.50,000/- per annum will be eligible for this scheme. Under this scheme, the students who pursue degree courses are given Rs.6,500/- per annum and Rs.7,000/- per annum for post graduate and professional courses. However, the Medical students are given Rs.7,000/- per annum. Out of which 75% will be treated as Scholarship and 25% as loan. For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.775.00 lakhs has been provided for this scheme.

7. Overseas Scholarship

Of late, students aspire to pursue their higher studies abroad in the field of Engineering, Technology and Science. To fulfill their desire, the Overseas Scholarship is being implemented. This scholarship is given to the candidates whose total income, from all sources including employment or that of his parents / guardians, does not exceed Rs.12,000/- per month. A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

8. Awards (State Level)

Various prize Money Schemes are implemented to encourage students to score high marks in their Public Examinations. Students who secure the highest marks in Standards X and XII Public Examinations at the State Level are awarded prizes as detailed below:-

9. Awards (District Level)

Students who secure the highest marks in Standards X and XII Public Examinations at the District Level are awarded prizes as follows:-

(a) Chief Minister's Merit Award

In every student’s life, the results of Standard XII play a vital role. Those who secure high marks in this class, would choose prospective subjects in the higher classes and can achieve good future. To encourage the students, the first thousand boys and thousand girls belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity, who score high marks and continue their higher studies are given a sum of Rs.1,500/- per annum as award for each student for a period of 5 years. A sum of Rs.60.00 lakhs has been provided for the year 2006-07.

(b) Prize Money Award

Awarding prizes and appreciation will be a great impetus to the students. This encourages the students to study well and in turn will get employment opportunities. Hence, in order to encourage the students, prize money is awarded to the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity students, who have passed with 60% and above marks in the degree, post graduate and professional course examinations. The prize money awards ranges from Rs.2,000/- to Rs.5,000/- and it is distributed to 550 students. A sum of Rs.18.50 lakhs has been provided for the year 2006-07.

(c) Awards to Bright Students

The Bright Students award was instituted to encourage students to score high marks in their Standard X Public Examinations and to pursue their studies. Under this scheme, in each District two Boys and two Girls among each group viz. the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity and Scheduled Tribe, who secure the highest marks in S.S.L.C (Standard X) examination are selected and awarded a sum of Rs.800/- per annum for the first year and Rs.960/- per annum for the subsequent five years for a total period of six years, provided they continue their higher studies. A sum of Rs.8.16 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

(d) Gandhi Memorial Award

This award is given in memory of Mahatma Gandhiji to the Scheduled Caste Hindu Students who secure the first mark in each District in Standard XII Public examinations. One Boy and one Girl, who secure the highest marks in plus-2 Public Examinations, will be selected from each district for this award. An award of Rs.1,500/- per annum for the first year and Rs.1,000/- per annum for the subsequent five years will be given under this scheme. A sum of Rs.3.34 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

(e) Merit Cum Means Award

On the basis of the Gandhi Memorial Award, Merit cum Means Award is given to one Boy and one Girl belonging to Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste converted to Christianity students in each district. A sum of Rs.0.90 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

10. Slates

Free slates are distributed to all students studying in Standard I in the schools run by this department. Out of the provisions allotted under the scheme of supply of free Text Books and Note Books, a sum of Rs.2.75 lakhs has been earmarked for this scheme for the year 2006-07. About 31,000 boys and girls will be benefited.

11. Scheme of supply of free Text Books and Note Books

Considering the financial burden of the parents and also to impart education to all students, free text books are supplied to all students studying in Standards I to XII and free note books are supplied to students in Standards III to XII in Adi Dravidar and Tribal welfare schools. As far as Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students studying in schools run by School Education Department, free text books are supplied to students studying in Standards IX and X and free note books are supplied to students studying in Standard IV to X.

A sum of Rs.500.00 lakhs has been provided for Adi Dravidar Welfare and Government Tribal Residential Schools and a sum of Rs.1819.88 lakhs has been provided for the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Students studying in General schools for the year 2006-07.

12. Uniforms

Two sets of free uniform cloth are given annually to all students studying in Standards I to XII in Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Schools and all students residing in Adi Dravidar Welfare hostels. Previously, uniforms blended with Cotton and Polyester was supplied. At present, the unstitched uniform cloth along with stitching charges is given to the students so that they can stitch it according to their size. A sum of Rs.970.00 lakhs has been provided during the current year for this purpose. About 3,45,000 boys and girls will be benefited under this scheme.

The uniform pattern for the students has been changed and the Government have decided to give churidhars for girls studying from 6th standard to 12th standard and full pant to the boys studying from 8th standard to 12th standard. For this, an additional amount of Rs.265.32 lakhs has been provided for the year 2006-07.

13. Supply of free Bicycles Scheme

This Government will provide free bicycles to Plus 1 students for this year. During 2006-07, a sum of Rs.980.57 lakhs has been provided for supply of bicycles to the girls and Rs.989.45 lakhs for boys. About 1,07,000 students will be benefited through this scheme.

14. Computer Education in High/Higher Secondary Schools

Computer Science Education plays a vital role in every day’s life. To encourage students to learn Computer, Adi Dravidar and Tribal High Schools have been provided with Computers. Computer Science education has been introduced in all the Higher Secondary Schools. It is notable to say that, in the Public Examinations held in the year 2006, the students of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes have secured a pass percentage of 93% in the Computer Science.

15. Hostels

The Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe students need more motivation to concentrate on their studies. To enable them to continue their education hostel facilities are provided. 1,178 hostels for Scheduled Caste and 37 hostels for Scheduled Tribe students are functioning under the control of this department. Among this 948 Adi Dravidar hostels and 27 Tribal hostels are functioning inGovernment buildings and 230 Adi Dravidar and 10 Tribal hostels are functioning in rented buildings. About 82,321 students (boys and girls) are residing in these hostels to pursue their studies.

It has been brought to the notice of the Government that the hostels of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal students are not maintained well. Hence, a sum of Rs.10.00 crores has been provided for the year 2006-07 for carrying out special repairs to the hostels and to maintain them well.

16. Improving the academic standard with facilities available in School Education Department

It is very important to improve the academic and teaching abilities of the teachers. This department has initiated action to improve the standard of teachers with the help of facilities available under the "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan" (education for all) programme by School Education Department. The quality of teachers in the primary and middle schools will improve through this. Under the scheme of "Education for All", in–service training is imparted to all Secondary Grade Teachers working in Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools. Teachers are given training on the use of Audio visual Aids while teaching. This training improves the academic and teaching abilities of the teachers and in return the students are benefited.

17. Reservation

The implementation of the rule of reservation, in a proper manner, ensures the empowerment of Adi Dravidar and Tribal people. Through this, they also reap social justice. Hence, this Government is taking all steps to ensure that the rule of reservation intended for Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes is followed scrupulously. All recruiting agencies of the Government viz., Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, Tamil Nadu Teachers Recruitment Board, Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board follow 18% and 1% rule of reservation, in respect of Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe. Whenever no such eligible candidates are available as per this reservation, those posts are notified as backlog vacancies and are filled up through the succeeding examinations or special tests.

Wherever, there is a shortage of 18% and 1% as per rules, detailed instructions have been issued to fill up those posts through direct recruitment or by transfer from among the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Candidates and if necessary to amend the service rules. This is reviewed periodically by a high level committee under the Chairmanship of Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare.

18. Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (Previously known as Special Component Plan)

The Government desires to improve the status of the Scheduled Caste through various welfare schemes. The Government of India have also instructed the States that flow of funds from State Annual Plan outlay should be proportionate to the Scheduled Caste population. Scheduled Caste Sub Plan are implemented through 21 Sectoral Departments. The schemes under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan are implemented as divisible and indivisible during the 10th Five Year plan onwards. Nodal Officers are appointed in all Sectoral Departments to monitor the schemes implemented under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.

In Tamilnadu, Scheduled Caste Sub Plan is getting a facelift during 2006-07. During the year 2006-07, the State Annual Plan outlay is Rs.12,500/- crore. Out of which, as per Sub Head 789, meant for Scheduled Caste in the Plan Budget Link Book, an amount of Rs.1126.89 crores has been allocated under Divisible Scheme, which is much higher than the allocation made during the previous years. Further, Rs.1,299.42 crores is to be allocated under indivisible scheme. Thus the total flow to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan for the year 2006-07 is Rs.2,426.31 crores.

The details of flow and expenditure under Scheduled Caste Sub Plan for the years 2002-03 to 2005-06 during the X Five Year Plan are given below:-

(Rs. in lakhs)

19. Free House site pattas

Most of the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe people are living below the poverty line due to their poor economic condition. If house site pattas are allotted to the downtrodden with basic amenities, their social status will improve. The Government is, therefore, implementing the scheme of giving house site pattas with basic amenities to the above people. During the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.1100.09 lakhs has been provided for issue of house site patta and to provide the basic amenities.

20. Community Halls

Community Halls are required to conduct various social functions, such as social festivals, conducting meetings and marriages. The Government is, therefore, implementing the scheme of constructing Community Halls in Adi Dravidar Colonies. A sum of Rs.14.00 lakhs has been allocated for this purpose during the year 2006-07.

21. Burial Grounds and Pathways

The Government is implementing the scheme of providing the required Burial Grounds to Adi Dravidar Habitations and Pathways to Burial Grounds. Funds are provided for acquiring and purchasing land for this purpose. Panchayat Unions are also providing basic amenities to Adi Dravidar Habitations from their funds. For this purpose, 15% for drinking water facility and 10% for link roads are given as share of this Department. During the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.72.94 lakhs has been provided for burial grounds and for provision of pathways to burial grounds.

22. Grants for Funeral Rites

Financial assistance to the tune of Rs.500/- is given to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Caste Converted to Christianity and Scheduled Tribe families to meet the expenditure connected with funeral rites on the death of a member of their family. The income limit under this scheme is Rs.24,000/- per annum.

For providing financial assistance towards funeral rites to Adi Dravidars, a sum of Rs.283.26 lakhs has been provided during the year 2006-07.

23. Community Certificates

The Community Certificates relating to Adi Dravidars are issued by the Tahsildars concerned. As per G.O.(Ms) No.2137 Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department dated 11.11.1989, the power to issue Community Certificates to Scheduled Tribes is delegated to the Revenue Divisional Officers concerned. On many occasions, admission in educational institutions or appointment in Public Service are obtained by other communities by producing false community certificates. This practice affects the genuine Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates and they are deprived of their Constitutional Rights. It is, therefore, necessary that the genuineness of the certificates so produced are scrutinized properly. For this purpose, as advised by the Apex Court, the Government have constituted committees at District level and State level. An Anthropologist has also been included in the Committees. The genuiness of community certificates issued by the Tahsildars and Revenue Divisional Officers are verified by these committees.

24. Protection of Civil Rights

(a) Removal of Untouchability

This Government is taking all steps to abolish untouchability and to prevent atrocities against Adi Dravidars and Tribals. For this, the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 (PCR) and The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 are effectively implemented in the State. The Human Rights and Social Justice Wing is functioning for this purpose, under the control of Director General of Police (Social Justice-CID).

Further four Special Courts with First Class Session Magistrates are functioning at Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai and Tirunelveli districts for adjudicating these two Acts. In all other districts, Sessions Court is empowered to try these cases.

(b) Campaign for the removal of untouchability

The public are made aware of the evils of untouchability. To create awareness among the public, feature films are screened in the villages.

(c) Select Village Scheme

The people are encouraged to live in harmony and peace. Under the Select Village Scheme, one village in each district, where untouchability is not followed and people live in harmony is chosen. A sum of Rs.1.00 lakh is given to such village. This fund will be utilised for the betterment of the basic needs of the chosen villages. A sum of Rs.29.00 lakhs has been provided for this purpose for the year 2006-07.

Every year "Manitha Neya Vara Vizha" is celebrated in all the districts from 24th to 30th January. The Public are made to realize their responsibility to maintain peace and harmony. Villupupattu Kuzhu artists are engaged to draw the attention of the Villagers to eradicate untouchability. A sum of Rs.5.15 lakhs has been earmarked for the year 2006-07, for this purpose.

Besides this Community feasts are arranged every year on 26th January, 15th August, 2nd October or on any other local important day of the district.

(d) Dalit and Tribal welfare Activities Foundation (DATA)

To encourage the creative expression of art, culture, literature and also to support research on Dalit and Tribal areas "Dalit and Tribal Welfare Activities Foundation" (DATA) was formed. A Corpus Fund of Rs.50.00 lakhs has been sanctioned and deposited in fixed deposits. The Government have proposed to extend financial assistance to the tune of Rs.20,000/- per beneficiary for literacy works of excellence for 10 Dalit writers for publishing their works every year and also for one non-Dalit writer who desires to publish good articles about the Dalits.

25. (a) Abolition of Bonded Labour

The Government is determined to eradicate in toto the Bonded Labour System in this State. Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act was enacted in 1976. This Act is being implemented in Tamil Nadu since its inception. This Government is committed in not only releasing the persons held in bondage but also to rehabilitate them. District level committees have been formed under the Chairmanship of the respective District Collectors, to ensure the effective implementation of the Act in the District. At State level, a High Level Monitoring Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary. So far 13,051 Bonded Labourers were released and rehabilitated at a cost of Rs.15.06 crores. A sum of Rs.110.00 lakhs has been provided for this scheme for the year 2006-07.

(b) Model Scheme for abolition of Bonded Labour and Rehabilitation

The Scheme is implemented in Thiruvallur District where more number of Bonded Labourers were identified. Through this Scheme, concentration is made not only in abolishing the bonded labour and rehabilitating them, but also to release them from indebtedness. A "Project Advisory Committee" under the Chairmanship of Secretary to Government, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department is functioning for the implementation of scheme effectively and to eradicate Bonded Labour.