Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department

Policy Note - 2006 - 2007

Demand No. 9

INTRODUCTION

Tamil Nadu has been formulating various welfare schemes which are necessary for the upliftment of people belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities and Minorities and implementing them deligently and effectively and expeditiously. Having realised the importance of their sustained educational and economic development, this Government created the Department of Backward Classes in the year 1969 itself. It would be worth mentioning here that this Government only created a separate Department for the welfare of Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities in the year 1989. Of the total population of Tamil Nadu, two third of the people belong to the Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities. The provision of reservation is imperative for their educational and economic upliftment. The Government has steadfast faith in the ideology that only through the implementation of indubitable policy of reservation, creation of proper infrastructure facilities for providing quality education, creation of appropriate institutional structure required for economic development and through implementation of job-oriented training schemes, for amelioration of these depressed classes, development could be possible to these people.

RESERVATION:

2 (i) The Government, strongly believes that sustained Socio-Economic development of these people could be possible and achieved interalia only through adopting reservation policy in educational institutions and employment in Government services. Tamil Nadu is a forerunner to other States in the implementation of Reservation Policy for Backward Classes as early as in 1921.

(ii) The extent of reservation has increased in phases as per the needs of the people, which at present stands at 69% of which 30% reserved for Backward Classes and 20% for Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities. Insofar as educational institutions are concerned the policy of reservation is implemented only in Government and Government aided institutions. As soon as the present Government assumed office, this Government has changed the scenario and enacted legislation on 31.5.2006 to implement the policy of reservation even in the private educational institutions excluding Minorities institutions.

(iii) Further, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution on 31.5.2006 urging Government of India to go ahead with the 27% reservation of other Backward Classes in all the educational institutions controlled and financed by Government of India. In this connection, the Legislative Assembly has also suggested that an ordinance may be proposed to implement this reservation.

(iv) The Government bestows special interest on the welfare of Muslims and Christians for their educational and economic upliftment for which it would introduce necessary Legislation for providing reservation in all educational institutions and employment opportunities in Government services.

(v) This Government have been urging the Union Government continuously to bring a constitutional amendment empowering the states to determine the percentage of reservation according to their own needs.

(vi) At present there is no provision in the Constitution to provide reservation in private sectors. Hence this Government is taking all earnest efforts to request the Government of India to bring in an amendment to Article 16 of the Constitution to realise this goal.

(vii) The cases questioning the validity of the Tamil Nadu Act 45/1994 providing 69% reservation of seats in educational institutions and appointment in Public services have been pending in the Supreme Court of India since 1994. This Government have taken all efforts for expeditious disposal of these cases pending before the Supreme Court.

EDUCATION

KALLAR SCHOOLS

3 (i) Education is an indispensable tool for achieving economic development and Social upliftment. Hence, the Government is running 260 co-educational schools in Madurai, Theni and Dindigul Districts for the educational upliftment of students belonging to Piramalai Kallar Community. 49,633 students have been enrolled in these schools in 2005-06. Government is also running 1081 hostels for the welfare of students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities taking into account the low level of literacy rate and the high level of drop-out rate in rural areas. Out of these 1081 hostels, 13 college hostels and 130 school hostels are functioning exclusively for the welfare of students belonging to Denotified Communities. 10,407 students have benefited from these hostels during 2005-06.

(ii) This Government has allotted nearly 76% of funds exclusively for education out of the total allocation provided in the Budget for the welfare of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities and Minorities during the current year. This allocation clearly shows the importance accorded to education sector by this Government. The Government is taking various measures to provide all facilities to the Kallar schools to bring them on par with the schools functioning under the control of Education Department. To keep pace with the advancement in Information Technology, the students studying in the Kallar Reclamation Higher Secondary Schools and High Schools are imparted Computer Education. The Government is very particular in providing basic amenities and maintenance of these schools. For the maintenance of these schools, Rs.2682.31 lakhs has been provided for this year. Facilities such as drinking water, electricity, toilets etc., have been provided to these schools. Further electrically operated Roneo machines are being provided to all the Higher Secondary Schools and High Schools.

(iii) In order to promote healthy competition among the students of Kallar schools, a scheme of award of prizes is implemented for the students who secure high marks in 10th and 12th standard Public examinations. Accordingly students are awarded a prize of Rs.3,000/- for securing first place, Rs.2,000/- for securing second place and Rs.1,000/- to three students, boys or girls for securing third place.

DISTRIBUTION OF SLATES, NOTE BOOKS AND TEXTBOOKS IN KALLAR SCHOOLS

4 (i) In Kallar Reclamation schools, slates are supplied to students studying in 1st to 3rd std. Note books are supplied to students studying in 3rd to 10th Std; Text Books are supplied to students studying in 1st to 12th Std.

(ii) In the current year, Rs 45.00 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

DISTRIBUTION OF UNIFORMS

5 (i) Each year, two sets of Poly Cotton uniform material along with stitching charges are provided to students studying in 1st to 8th standard in Kallar Reclamation Schools.

(ii) The boarders of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities hostels studying upto 10th standard are provided with two sets of poly cotton uniform material along with stitching charges. During the year 2006-07, Rs.181.05 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

(iii) At present, the students in 1st standard to 8th standard in Kallar schools sit on the floor. Hence, it has been proposed to provide benches and desks to these students. In the first phase, a sum of Rs.269.67 lakhs has been allotted for the provision of four seater combined desk and bench to the students studying from 5th to 8th standards during the year 2006-07.

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES

6 (i) The following scholarship schemes are implemented for the educational upliftment of students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities,

(1) Prematric Scholarship Scheme

(2) Postmatric Scholarship Scheme

(3) Free Education (Degree courses)

(4) Free Education (Polytechnic courses)

(5) Free Education (Professional courses)

(ii) The scheme for the provision of Free Education without any condition to students belonging to Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities from 10th standard to Degree level was first introduced by this Government in the year 1989-90 and the scheme is still in existence. This scheme has been extended to the students belonging to Backward Classes with some conditions. This free Education scheme with some conditions has been extended to the students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities studying in Polytechnic courses and Professional courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Agriculture and Veterinary Science.

(A) PREMATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

(i) REIMBURSEMENT OF SPECIAL FEES

This scheme of reimbursement of special fees for the students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities studying in Government and Government aided-schools, under the prematric scholarship scheme is as follows: -

Special fees at the rate prescribed in the scholarship notification are reimbursed to the students belonging to Denotified Communities studying from 6th to 8th standard and to the students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities studying in 9th standard.

(ii) DISTRIBUTION OF FREE TEXTBOOKS

The students studying from 1st standard to 12th standard in Government and Government-aided schools are supplied with free textbooks. The expenditure incurred under the scheme by the School Education Department for Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities students is reimbursed to Tamil Nadu Textbook Corporation by this Department.

(iii) EXAMINATION FEES

The Public Examination fees payable by the students of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities studying in 10th standard are directly reimbursed to the Department of Government Examinations by this Department.

(iv) TUITION FEES FOR ENGLISH MEDIUM EDUCATION

The Backward Classes students studying from 6th to 10th standard in Government schools and Government-aided schools in English Medium of education are reimbursed with the tuition fees as per notification, subject to the condition that their parental annual income should not exceed Rs.50,000/- and no one should be a graduate in the family. However, the students belonging to Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities are reimbursed with the tuition fees without any conditions.

For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.2147.65 lakhs has been allotted for prematric scholarship scheme.

(B) POSTMATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

(i) BACKWARD CLASSES

The Backward Class students studying in Higher Secondary classes, Degree courses, Post-Graduate courses, Industrial Training courses, Polytechnic courses and pursuing Research studies are reimbursed with the tuition fees, special fees and book fees as prescribed in the Scholarship Notification, and the examination fees are reimbursed in full, subject to the condition that their parental annual income should not exceed Rs.50,000/-.

(ii) MOST BACKWARD CLASSES & DENOTIFIED COMMUNITIES

The Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities students studying P.G. courses, Polytechnic courses, Industrial Training courses and Research studies are reimbursed with the tuition fees, special fees and book fees as prescribed in the Scholarship Notification and the examination fees are reimbursed in full, subject to the condition that their parental annual income should not exceed Rs.50,000/-.

(iii) EXAMINATION FEES

The Public Examination fees payable by the students of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities studying in 12th standard are directly reimbursed to the Department of Government Examinations by this Department.

(iv) TUITION FEES FOR ENGLISH MEDIUM EDUCATION

The Backward Classes students studying in 11th and 12th standards in Government and Government-aided schools in English Medium of education are reimbursed with the tuition fees as per notification, subject to the condition that their parental annual income should not exceed Rs.50,000/- and there are no graduates in the family. However, the students belonging to Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities are reimbursed with their tuition fees without any conditions.

For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.3059.07 lakhs has been allotted for Postmatric Scholarship Scheme.

FREE EDUCATION (DEGREE COURSES)

7 (i) The students belonging to Backward Classes, studying from 10th standard to 3 year Degree courses are provided with Free Education, subject to the condition that their parental annual income should not exceed Rs.50,000/- and the beneficiary is the first graduate in the family. Under this scheme, course fees, special fees, examination fees and other non-refundable fees are reimbursed. For Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities students, these conditions do not apply.

(ii) During the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.2541.70 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

FREE EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL AND POLYTECHNIC COURSES)

8 (i) The students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified communities who are studying Polytechnic courses and Professional courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Agriculture, Veterinary Science are provided with Free Education, subject to the conditions that their parental annual income should not exceed Rs.50,000/- and the beneficiary is the first graduate in the family. Under this scheme, course fees, special fees, examination fees and other non-refundable compulsory payable fees, as prescribed by the Government, are reimbursed.

(ii) For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.2010.23 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA SCHOLARSHIP SCHEMES

PREMATRIC SCHOLARSHIP

9 (i) In order to improve the Educational standard of the Other Backward Classes students of Tamil Nadu studying in schools, the Government of India Prematric Scholarship Scheme on 50:50 basis between the State and Centre is being implemented from the year 2003-04. Under this scheme parental annual income limit should not exceed Rs.44,500/-.

During the year 2005-06, a sum of Rs.400.00 lakhs has been received from the Government of India as its share and spent under this scheme.

POSTMATRIC SCHOLARSHIP

(ii) In order to improve the Educational standard of the Other Backward Classes students of Tamil Nadu studying in Higher Secondary Schools, Degree courses, Polytechnic Diploma courses and Professional Degree Courses, the Government of India Postmatric Scholarship Scheme on 100% financial assistance from the Centre is being implemented from the year 2003-04. Under this Scheme parental annual income limit should not exceed Rs.44,500/-.

During the year 2005-06, a sum of Rs.290.00 lakhs has been received from the Government of India and spent under this scheme.

RURAL INCENTIVE SCHEME FOR MOST BACKWARD CLASSES AND DENOTIFIED COMMUNITIES GIRL STUDENTS

10 (i) Poverty is the main reason for the high level of school drop-out rate in the rural areas. Particularly, this situation is prevalent among the girl students of Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities. In order to over come drop out owing to poverty and to encourage the girl students of rural areas to continue their studies up to middle school level, the Most Backward Classes and Denotified communities girl students of rural areas who are studying 3rd to 5th standards are given an incentive of Rs. 500/- per annum and studying 6th standard are given an incentive of Rs.1000/- per annum at the rate of Rs.100/- per month for ten months. The scheme which was introduced by this Government during 1999 - 2000, still continues to be implemented. To avail benefit under this scheme, parental annual income should not exceed Rs.25,000/-. Under this scheme 90,000 girl students of Most Backward Classes and Denotified communities are benefited every year.

(ii) For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.600.00 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

SCHEME FOR AWARD OF PRIZES

STATE LEVEL PRIZES

11 (i) Under this scheme, two first prizes (one boy and one girl student) are awarded to the students who secure highest mark in 10th and 12th standard Public Examinations at State level. First prize for 12th standard is Rs.3,000/- in the case of Backward Classes and Rs.5,000/- in the case Most Backward Classes/ Denotified Communities. First prize for 10th standard is Rs.1,500/- in the case of Backward Classes and Rs.3,000/- in the cases of Most Backward Classes/ Denotified Communities.

DISTRICT LEVEL PRIZES

(ii) Two first prizes (one boy and one girl) are awarded to students who secure highest mark in the 12th Standard Public Examination at the District Level. In the case of Backward Class student Rs.1500/- and in the cases of Most Backward Class/Denotified Community student Rs.3000/- is awarded as cash prize. Similarly two first prizes, two second prizes and two third prizes (one boy and one girl student) are awarded to students who secure highest marks in the 10th standard Public Examination at the District Level. In the case of Backward Classes student Rs.500/-, Rs.250/- and Rs.150/- are awarded as first, second and third prizes respectively. In the case of Most Backward Classes/Denotified Communities student Rs.1000/-, Rs.500/- and Rs.300/- are awarded as first, second and third prizes respectively.

For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.2.35 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

PERARIGNAR ANNA MEMORIAL AWARD

(iii) A cash prize of Rs.3000/- each is awarded as Perarignar Anna Memorial Award per annum, for two boys and two girls belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities, who secured the highest and the next highest marks in the 12th standard Public Examination at the District level and joining professional courses. The Cash prize is awarded to them for four/five years.

For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.14.00 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

THANTHAI PERIYAR MEMORIAL AWARD

(iv) A cash prize of Rs.3000/- per annum is awarded, as Thanthai Periyar Memorial Award, for two boys and two girls belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities, admitted in Polytechnic Courses in each District who have the highest and the next highest marks in the 10th standard Public Examination for three years.

For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.9.60 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

DISTRIBUTION OF FREE BI-CYCLE

12 (i) Free Bi-cycles are distributed to students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities who study in Higher Secondary classes in Government, Government aided and Partly aided schools without income ceiling.

(ii) For the year 2006-07, a sum of Rs.6035.55 lakhs has been allotted for this scheme.

HOSTELS

13 (i) 1081 hostels are functioning all over Tamil Nadu for the welfare of poor students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities. Of this, 601 hostels under the control of Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department and 480 hostels under the control of Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities Welfare Department are functioning. 61,989 boys and girls students are benefitted by staying in these hostels. Students belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities whose parental annual income does not exceed Rs.50,000/- are admitted into these hostels.

(ii) Of the 1081 hostels, 511 hostels are functioning in Government buildings. Sufficient basic facilities, such as drinking water, toilet, bathroom etc., have been provided in these hostels for the convenience of the students. Further, construction of buildings to 461 hostels are under various stages. Besides, the Government have decided to construct own buildings in a phased manner for the remaining 109 hostels functioning in private buildings.

(iii) The boarders of these hostels are provided with food as per weekly menu. For quick preparation and timely serving of food to the students, wet grinders and LPG connections have been provided to these hostels. To school hostel boarders at the rate of Rs.300/- per month per student and the College hostel boarders at the rate of Rs.400/- per month per student are sanctioned.

(iv) The following additional facilities have also been provided for the welfare of the boarders of these hostels:-

1. All the college hostels have been provided with colour Television sets.

2. All the hostels have been provided with sports materials.

3. In order to develop the General Knowledge and General Awareness of the boarders, Library facilities and daily News papers (one English and two Tamil dailies) are provided to all the hostels.

4. In order to encourage the boarders to score high marks in the 10th and 12th standard Government Public Examinations, special guides in all the subjects are provided.

(v) During the year 2006-07, Rs.60.38 lakhs has been allotted for the provision of blankets to the boarders of these hostels and Rs.10.90 lakhs has been allotted for provision of reference books to the libraries of the college hostels in order to encourage the boarders to excel in their studies.

(vi) A sum of Rs.5637.01 lakhs has been provided for the administration and maintenance of these hostels including food charges for the boarders for the year 2006-07.

(vii) Further a sum of Rs.4319.00 lakhs has been allotted for the construction of buildings to hostels during the current year.