India, Dec. 29 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
S.N.
Name of Event/Exhibition
Duration
No. of Benef./States Participated
No. of Benef.
States
1.
Mahakumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
13 Jan. to 26 Feb. 2025
12
Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh
2.
Shilp Samagam Mela, Nashik, Maharashtra
17-26
33
Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,
3.
Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Faridabad, Haryana
07-23
16
Assam, J&K, MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
4.
Shilp Samagam Mela, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
26 June -02 July, 2025
30
Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Karnataka, HP, Uttar Pradesh,
5.
Shilp Samagam Mela, Bengaluru, Karnataka
05-14
25
Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
6.
Shilp Samagam Mela, Dilli Haat, INA, Delhi
01-15 November,2025
22
Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
7.
India International Trade Fair, Pragati Maidan, Delhi
14-27
29
Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Month
Financial
Physical Achievement (Beneficiaries)
Jan-March 2025
193.97 crore
2,67,749
April-Nov 2025
165.14 crore
6,13,015
TOTAL
359.11 crore
8,80,764
Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM) is a memorial dedicated to Dr. Ambedkar. It is one of five "Panchteerth"; it is called the "Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi" on account of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's demise here on 6th December, 1956.
January, 2025
February.2025
September, 2025
November, 2025
Achievement (Rs.)
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (D/o SJ&E) highlights a year of inclusive growth and transformative initiatives in 2025. Through flagship schemes and initiatives in education, skill development, livelihood, health, rehabilitation, and welfare, the Department strengthened dignity, opportunity, and empowerment for Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, De-notified Tribes, Safai Karamcharis, artisans, transgender persons, and senior citizens.
PRE MATRIC and POST MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP FOR SCs
i. Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others
The Pre-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SCs & Others promotes inclusive education for Scheduled Caste children and those whose parents/guardians work in unclean or hazardous occupations. Component-I provides scholarships to SC students in Classes IX-X with a parental income ceiling of Rs.2.50 lakh, while Component-II covers children in hazardous occupations in Classes I-X, irrespective of caste or religion, with no income limit.
The scheme is funded 60:40 between the Centre and the States, 90:10 for North-Eastern States, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and 100:0 for Union Territories without a legislature.
Achievements during 2025-26
ii. Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC Students
The Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC Students is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at promoting educational and socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Caste students, by enabling them to pursue higher education. Eligible candidates must be Indian nationals belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, with parental/guardian income not exceeding Rs.2.50 lakh per annum.
The scholarship covers the entire course duration, including compulsory non-refundable fees such as tuition fees fixed by the State/UT fee committees, academic allowance, and disability allowance where applicable. The scheme is funded on a 60:40 Centre-State sharing basis, and 90:10 for North-Eastern States.
Achievements during 2025-26
Events: (Pre/Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme for SC Students)
SHREYAS-SC
Scholarship for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS-SC) consists of four Sub-schemes viz. Free coaching scheme for SCs, OBCs and beneficiaries of PM CARES children, Top Class Education for SCs, National overseas Scholarship Scheme for SCs etc. and National Fellowship for SCs.
i. Top Class Scholarship for SC Students (TCS)
Under this scheme, scholarships are provided to SC students for pursuing studies beyond the 12th class. The scheme supports talented students studying at 274 top-class premier institutions in the country, such as all the IIMs, IITs, IIITs, AIIMSs, NITs, NIFTs, NIDs, IHMs, NLUs, and other Central Government Institutions, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) A++ and A+ Accredited Institutions, and Top 100 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Institutions. Thirty percent (30%) of the slots allotted to the institution are reserved for eligible SC girl students based on their inter-se merit.
Achievement under the scheme:
ii. Free Coaching Scheme for SC and OBC Students
The scheme aims to provide quality coaching to economically disadvantaged SCs, OBCs, and beneficiaries of the PM CARES Children Scheme (included from 2024-25) to help them appear in competitive and entrance examinations.
The scheme has a family income ceiling of Rs.8 lakh per annum for SC and OBC candidates, while PM CARES Children Scheme beneficiaries have no income or caste restrictions. The student ratio is 70:30 for SC:OBC, with 30% of slots reserved for female candidates.
Achievement under the scheme
Major Initiatives under the scheme
iii. National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) Scheme for SC, etc. Candidates
Under the NOS, financial assistance is provided to low-income students from Scheduled Castes, De-notified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Landless Agricultural Labourers, and Traditional Artisans to pursue higher education abroad, such as Master's or Ph.D. courses, improving their economic and social status.
A total of 125 slots are allotted annually, with 115 for Scheduled Castes, 6 for De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and 4 for Landless Agricultural Labourers and Traditional Artisans. Thirty percent of scholarships each year are reserved for female candidates.
Achievement under the scheme
iv. National Fellowship for SC Students (NFSC)
Under this scheme, fellowships are provided to Scheduled Caste students pursuing Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UGC-recognized Indian universities, institutions, and colleges. The scheme offers 2,000 new slots annually-500 for Science and 1,500 for Humanities and Social Sciences-for SC students who have qualified the UGC-NET Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) or the UGC-CSIR NET-JRF joint test.
Achievement under the scheme
SRESHTA
The Department implements the Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA) to expand educational opportunities in SC-dominant, service-deficient areas through grant-in-aid institutions and residential high schools, promoting socio-economic upliftment and overall development of Scheduled Castes.
The scheme operates in two modes: Mode-I selects 3,000 meritorious SC students annually through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS) conducted by NTA for admission to top private residential schools (Classes 9 and 11) affiliated to CBSE/State Boards; Mode-II provides financial assistance to NGOs running schools and hostel projects for SC students, covering Residential Schools, Non-Residential Schools, and Hostels for primary and secondary levels. For the 2025-26 academic session, 2,915 students were admitted to 151 private residential schools, with school fees of Rs.79.37 crore reimbursed by the Department.
Achievement under the Scheme:
PRADHAN MANTRI ANUSUCHIT JAATI ABHYUDAY YOJANA (PM-AJAY)
The Department under Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) merged 03 erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes, namely, Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan(SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) in 2021-22 with an aim to reduce poverty in SC communities by creating additional employment opportunities through skill development, income-generating initiatives, and other measures, while improving socio-economic indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and essential services in SC-dominated villages.
The Scheme has now the following three components:
i. Development of SC dominated villages into an 'Adarsh Gram'
ii. Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects for socio-economic betterment of SCs
iii. Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions
Achievement under the scheme
PROTECTION OF CIVIL RIGHTS ACT, 1955 AND THE SCHEDULED CASTES AND THE SCHEDULED TRIBES (PREVENTION OF ATROCITIES) ACT, 1989
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme to provide admissible Central Assistance to the State Governments and Union territory Administrations for effective implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights {PCR} Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) (Prevention of Atrocities) {PoA} Act, 1989. The Central Assistance is released to the States/UTs mainly for:
i. Functioning and strengthening of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Protection Cell and Special Police Station,
ii. Strengthening and Enforcement of Judicial Machinery;
iii. Relief and Rehabilitation of the atrocity victims/dependents,
iv. Incentive for Inter-Caste Marriages, where one of the spouse is a member of a Scheduled Caste;
v. Awareness generation/ publicity.
The funding pattern of the Scheme is such that the total expenditure over and above the committed liability is shared on a 50:50 basis between the Central Government and concerned State Governments/UTs (with legislature), and the Union Territory Administration receives 100% Central assistance. The concept of committed liability is applicable only on the components mentioned in i) and ii) above.
Developments regarding the implementation of the Scheme/Act:
NATIONAL SCHEDULED CASTES FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NSFDC)
Achievements of NSFDC for the F.Y. 2025-26 (as on 30.11.2025) are given as under:
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SCHEDULED CASTES (NCSC)
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) implemented the e-Grievance Management Portal (e-GMP) to enable 24x7 lodging and monitoring of SC-related grievances. The portal ensures transparency and timely action, allowing officers to issue notices, reminders, and summons digitally, with real-time tracking of complaint status.
During FY 2025-26 (up to 30 November), 21,681 complaints (including rejected cases) and 14,593 complaints (excluding rejected cases) were registered. A total of 14,182 notices were issued and 13,243 replies received from external authorities, reflecting effective adoption of the system.
The Commission also conducts periodical reviews of Ministries, State Governments, PSUs, and Banks on SC welfare, reservation compliance, and schemes for socio-economic development. During 2025-26, organisations reviewed included All India Radio, IIT Delhi, BSNL, Canara Bank, SBI, Indian Oil, Coal India, and Airports Authority of India.
Major events were organised to commemorate national leaders, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary on 14th April 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with around 1,200 participants, and the Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. Ambedkar along with Sardar Patel's 150th Birth Anniversary on 6th December 2025 at Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, marking engagement with key stakeholders for SC welfare and development.
WELFARE OF BACKWARD CLASSES
PM-YASASVI is an umbrella scheme for welfare of Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Class (EBC) & De-Notified Tribes (DNT) students.
Achievement under PM-YASASVI
NATIONAL BACKWARD CLASSES FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NBCFDC)
a) During January-November, 2025,NBCFDC organized/participated in the following exhibitions/melas:
b) Traditional Artisans' Upliftment Livelihood Promotion Programme (TULIP):
The Minister, SJE, launched the TULIP brand on 5th November 2024 to promote artisans' products, enhance income, and improve market visibility. Formulated in January 2025, TULIP integrates cluster development, concessional lending, skill building, marketing, and handholding, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern market systems.
Over 100 products have been onboarded on marketplaces including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Jiomart, and ONDC-connected Mystore, with logistics tie-ups ensuring efficient inventory and delivery.
Branding initiatives include unified Bharat-TULIP packaging at Shilp Samagam and other exhibitions, social media campaigns, retail stores at high-traffic locations, and a B2B meet connecting 50+ buyers with products from 20 artisans across 11 states, fostering bulk orders and long-term procurement.
4) Skill Development Initiatives
5) Registration On Social Stock Exchange
NBCFDC has registered with NSE-SSE and BSE-SSE to raise resources through Social Impact funds for socio-economic initiatives. The Draft Fund Raising Document was uploaded for public comments, with none received. In-principal approval from both exchanges has been granted, and listing will follow filing of the final document. Contributions can come from individual philanthropists, families, and corporations globally.
6) Stakeholder Consultation Meeting
A Stakeholder Consultation Meeting with PSBs and RRBs on VISVAS Yojana was conducted at New Delhi on 07.11.2025. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary (SJE), GOI and attended by the AS (SJE), JS & FA, MDs of NBCFDC & NSKFDC, Director (EID), GOI and representatives of PSBs and RRBs.
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR BACKWARD CLASSES (NCBC)
During 2025, the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) tendered its advice for the exclusion of 35 castes/communities from the Central List of OBCs in respect of the State of West Bengal, following due examination and in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
VENTURE CAPITAL FUND FOR SCHEDULED CASTES (VCF-SC)
1. VENTURE CAPITAL FUND
i. Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled castes (VCF-SC)
The fund aims to provide concessional finance to SC entrepreneurs ranging from 10 lakh to 15 crore, with a concessional interest rate of 4% p.a. (3.75% for women and Divyang SC entrepreneurs). IFCI manages the fund, which was launched on January 16, 2015, with a total corpus of 750 Crores.
Sanctions and Disbursements (as of 05.12.2025):
· Sanctions: 587.66 Crore to 140 companies.
· Disbursements: 419.85 Crore to 119 companies.
ii. Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM)
Launched on 30 September 2020 under VCF-SC, ASIIM promotes innovation among SC students, researchers, and participants in technology and Atal Incubation Centers, aligning with the Prime Minister's 'Stand Up India' initiative. Youth beneficiaries are provided concessional finance of up to Rs.30 lakh.
Sanctions and Disbursements (as of 05.12.2025):
· Sanctions: 26.11 Crore to 104 companies.
· Disbursements: 12.72 Crore to 86 companies
iii. Venture Capital Fund for Backward Classes (VCF-BC)
Initiated on October 1, 2019, this scheme mirrors the VCF-SC but is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among the Backward Classes (BC). The fund aims to provide concessional finance to BC entrepreneurs ranging from 20 lakh to 15 crore, with a 6% interest rate. The total corpus is 176.74 Crore.
Sanctions and Disbursements (as of 05.12.2025):
· Sanctions: Rs. 122.88 Crore to 28 companies.
· Disbursements: Rs. 61.50 Crore to 16 companies.
2. SMILE SCHEME: COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION OF PERSONS ENGAGED IN BEGGING
The "Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)" scheme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to rehabilitate individuals engaged in begging and create a 'Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat' (Begging-free India). Key components include area-specific surveys, awareness campaigns, mobilization and rescue operations, access to shelter-homes and basic services, skills training, alternative livelihoods, and formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
The scheme is operational in 181 cities and towns across 32 States/UTs, including pilgrimage, historical, and tourist locations.
Progress (as of 09.12. 2025):
· Identified persons engaged in begging: 26,488
· Rehabilitated individuals: 7,503
3. VISVAS: Interest Subvention Scheme
VISVAS Yojana, an initiative of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, supports livelihood activities for marginalized SC, OBC, and Safai Karamcharis (including manual scavengers and waste pickers) by providing a 5% interest subvention on income-generating loans. Individual and SHG loanees (with at least 70% target group members) holding standard accounts in PSBs, RRBs, private banks, small finance banks, and similar institutions are eligible. The scheme is implemented by NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC under the Department's administrative control.
Status of Implementation:
4. Senior care Ageing Growth Engine (Component of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana - AVVAY)
The scheme is a component of the AVYAV scheme of DoSJE and is being implemented to strengthen India's Silver Economy by promoting youth-led, innovation-driven start-ups that deliver affordable, scalable, and sustainable solutions for improving the quality of life of senior citizens.
Status of implementation:
· Total start-ups processed to date: 21 recommended, 9 sanctioned
· Total investment sanctioned: 8 crore; total disbursement: 4.06 crore.
· 25 new applications received during the year and placed for screening.
5. Other Initiatives:
The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) signed an MoU with Persolkelly India Pvt. Ltd. on 29th October 2025 to boost employment opportunities for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Backward Class (BC) candidates. The partnership aims to connect verified candidates with job openings across sectors through professional HR support, offering free counselling, resume building, interview preparation, and placement assistance. Emphasizing data privacy and transparency, the initiative seeks to enhance employability, support inclusive hiring, and turn welfare into real jobs.
CONSTITUTION OF DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE BOARD FOR DE-NOTIFIED, NOMADIC AND SEMI NOMADIC COMMUNITIES (DWBDNC)
Initiatives:
Government of India had constituted Board for the Welfare and Development for the De-notified, Nomadic and Semi- Nomadic Communities (DWBDNCs) vide Gazette Notification dated 21st February, 2019 for the following objectives:
Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED):
Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi Nomadic Communities (DWBDNC) is implementing a scheme namely, Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) which has been launched by the Minister of SJ&E on 16th February, 2022. The scheme has four components namely:-
a) To facilitate coaching of good quality for DNT candidates to enable them to appear in competitive examinations.
b) To facilitate the provision of health insurance to DNT Communities.
c) To facilitate livelihood initiative at community level to build and strengthen small clusters of DNT/NT/SNT Communities institutions.
d) To facilitate financial assistance for construction of houses to members of the DNT Communities through PMAY.
Achievements under SEED:
NATIONAL ACTION FOR MECHANIZED SANITATION ECOSYSTEM (NAMASTE)
NAMASTE is a Central Sector Scheme jointly launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, implemented from FY 2023-24. It aims to ensure the safety and dignity of urban sanitation workers by providing sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and enhanced occupational safety.
The scheme subsumed components of the former Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS) from FY 2023-24, and from FY 2024-25, waste pickers have also been included as a target group.
(ii) Waste Pickers
Under NAMASTE, waste pickers have been added as a target group alongside sewer and septic tank workers. Their profiling and enumeration are ongoing, and they will receive health insurance under AB-PMJAY, followed by vocational and upskilling training in waste value addition.
1. Profiling of 2.5 lakh waste pickers during 2024-25 and 2025-26
2. Occupational safety training on handling and associated risks
3. Provision of PPE kits
4. Health insurance coverage under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY
5. Capital subsidy up to Rs.5 lakh for waste collection vehicles for Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs)
6. IEC campaigns, etc.
(iii) Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS)
a) Covered 1631 manual scavengers and their dependents under various Skill Development Training Programmes with stipend @ Rs. 3,000/- per month.
b) Capital Subsidy up to Rs. 5.00 lakh for Self Employment Projects provided for 88 Manual Scavengers/dependents.
B. Major Initiative
NATIONAL SAFAI KARAMCHARIS FINANCE & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NSKFDC)
NSKFDC, an apex corporation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, provides concessional finance for income-generating activities to Safai Karamcharis, Waste Pickers, Manual Scavengers, and their dependents through State Channelizing Agencies.
From January to December 2025, NSKFDC sanctioned and released Rs.188.20 crore in concessional loans, benefiting 25,927 individuals. Of this, Rs.181.59 crore was disbursed to 25,569 women beneficiaries under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana (MSY) and Mahila Adhikarita Yojana (MAY).
NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR SAFAI KARAMCHARIS
NCSK has continued efforts for ensuring the dignity, observance of the rights and welfare of the sanitation workers through meetings at State level and follow up communications emphasizing on the following:
These efforts have resulted in:
ATAL VAYO ABHYUDAY YOJANA (AVYAY)
The Government of India is implementing Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY) as an umbrella scheme integrating various programmes, strategies, financials, and outcomes for senior citizens. The scheme addresses the five key needs of the elderly-shelter, financial security, food, healthcare, and social interaction-while promoting safety, protection, awareness, and a life of dignity.
Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):
Provides up to 100% grant-in-aid to agencies for free shelter, nutrition, Medicare and recreational facilities for senior citizens. Since 2014-15, Rs.891.09 crore has been released, benefiting about 10.32 lakh elderly persons.
State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC):
Encourages States/UTs to design and implement need-based action plans for senior citizens. Rs.88.45 crore was released from 2019-20 to 2024-25, and sanctions of Rs.62.27 crore have been issued for FY 2025-26 so far.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY):
Launched in 2017 to provide free assistive devices to eligible BPL senior citizens or those with monthly income below Rs.15,000. A total of 7.17 lakh seniors have benefited through distribution of nearly 39.79 lakh devices.
Elderline - National Helpline for Senior Citizens:
Operational since October 2021, Elderline (14567) offers free information, emotional support, and rescue services. Till date, about 27.29 lakh calls have been handled nationwide.
Training of Geriatric Caregivers:
Aims to create a trained workforce of professional caregivers for the elderly. Since inception, Rs.72.34 crore has been released to support training and capacity building in geriatric care.
PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE
Achievements and Initiatives under NAPDDR (January-November 2025):
Physical & Financial Achievement (Jan-Nov 2025):
The following major activities have been undertaken under NAPDDR/NMBA from January 2025 to November 2025:
a. NMBA reached 11.33+ crore people, including 4.27+ crore youth, 3.33+ crore women, and 11.77+ lakh educational institutions through village programmes, rallies, and community participation.
b. On 11 January 2025, a special NMBA programme was organised at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, in convergence with the Government of Punjab, with mass youth rallies and competitions, involving about 8,000 physical participants and thousands more online.c. On 24 March 2025, an MoU was signed between MoSJE and AIIMS, New Delhi for conducting the 2nd National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India through NDDTC, AIIMS.
d. On 26 June 2025, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was observed at DAIC, New Delhi, with participation of around 700 stakeholders including Ministries, AIIMS, NGOs, spiritual organisations, and youth volunteers.
e. On 8 August 2025, as part of Raksha Bandhan and 5 years of NMBA, an event at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre saw Brahma Kumaris sisters tying rakhis to about 400 CRPF personnel along with a pledge to remain drug-free.
f. On 13 August 2025, NMBA's 5th anniversary was marked at Kendriya Vidyalaya, New Delhi, where over 1,000 students participated physically and lakhs joined nationwide; the event included a mass pledge, cultural programmes, and launch of NMBA slogan, hashtag, and mascot.
g. On 18 November 2025, the 5-year milestone of NMBA culminated in a national-level event at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, with over 10,000 physical participants and more than 6.5 crore people joining nationwide through events at over 2.10 lakh locations.
SMILE SCHEME: COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION FOR WELFARE OF TRANSGENDER PERSONS
Following major activities have been undertaken under TG sub scheme of SMILE Scheme from January, 2025 to November, 2025:
a. The department has set up 06 new Garima Greys, shelter homes for destitute transgender persons in 05 States/UTs namely Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Puducherry and Uttar Pradesh (2).
b. MoU with National Health Authority (NHA) for convergence with Ayushman Bharat scheme of NHA has been done for providing health facilities under PMJAY scheme to Transgender persons. As on 01.12.2025, 125 AB PMJAY TG card has been issued.
c. The National Portal for Transgender Persons has more than 99 Lakh visitors and as of now, 30441 certificates have been issued.
d. So far, 20 Transgender Protection Cells are setup by States/UTS of Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
e. As of now 26 Transgender Welfare Boards (TWB) have been setup by States/UTs of Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Pondicherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
f. The Department has issued "Equal Opportunities Policy for Transgender Persons to ensure that the Transgender community has equal access to employment opportunities etc.
g. Skill development training to transgender persons is being provided through various Sectoral Skill Council etc. and training has been provided to 725 members till now.
h. The 15 days Entrepreneurship Development Programme has been allotted to National Institute of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) to train 1800 transgender persons, countrywide. Its first batch with 25 candidates has been trained at Garima Greh Delhi.
i. This Department in collaboration with National Cooperative Development Corporation has organized a one day awareness camp on cooperatives for transgender persons at Laxmanrao Inamder National Academy for Cooperative Research and Development (LINAC) in which 100 transgender persons participated.
Achievement under the scheme
Physical achievements: During the year 2025 to till date (Nov, 25), 429 transgender persons have been benefitted through Garima Grehs and 25 transgender persons have been provided with 15 days Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
Financial Achievements: During the year 2025 to till date (Nov, 25), a total of Rs. 5.30 Cr has been released.
DR. AMBEDKAR FOUNDATION
Achievement under the scheme
(*Cases dealt up to 31st March, 2023, after that Inter-caste Marriage Scheme and National Relief to the Scheduled Castes/Tribes Victims of Atrocities have been merged the scheme run by D/o SJE).
DR. AMBEDKAR INTERNATIONAL CENTRE (DAIC) AND DR. AMBEDKAR NATIONAL MEMORIAL (DANM)
Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC) is a premier International Centre of Excellence under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. Inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 7th December 2017, DAIC has been envisioned as a Centre of Excellence in research, analysis, and policy studies focusing on the vision, philosophy, and contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
The Centre's core areas include socio-economic transformation, inclusive and sustainable development, livelihood enhancement and Buddhist thought, culture, and philosophy.
On April 13, 2018 Hon'ble Prime Minister of India inaugurated Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial, which is built on an area of 7374.20 square meters. It is the first open book shaped building in India; symbolizing the importance of the Constitution of India
The Key Achievements, Significant Milestones and Major Initiatives of DAIC and DANM are given below:
i. Achievement
1. 78th Republic Day Parade Tableau, 2025 - For the first time, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment showcased a tableau on Kartavya Path during the 78th Republic Day celebrations.
2. Notable Visits at DAIC:
ii. Annual Commemorations
1. 26th July, 2025: The patriotic cultural program was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Anurag Thakur, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, as the Chief Guest, and Lt. Gen. Vinod G. Khandare (Retd.), former Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat, as the Guest of Honour
2. 135th Birth Anniversary (Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti) - 14th April, 2025 thousands gathered to pay tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary at DAIC and DANM
3. International Yoga Day - Annual celebration of International Yoga Day with Secretary Shri Amit Yadav and other MoSJE officials in attendance.
4. Independence Day Celebrations - The annual Independence Day celebration at DAIC and DANM is observed with the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag on the 15th of August.
5. Republic Day Celebrations - The annual Republic Day at DAIC and DANM is observed with the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag on the 26th of February.
6. Swachhta Hi Seva Campaign2025
7. Mahaparinirvan Diwas: Every year, DAIC and DANM observe Mahaparinirvan Diwas on 6th December to pay homage to Babasaheb Ambedkar through tributes and commemorative activities.
iii. Short-Term Internship Programmes: 8 batches have successfully completed their internship (components include: research assignments and presentations under the guidance of Research Associates and Young Professionals) and the programme is ongoing.
iv. Lecture Series
1. 10th January, 2025:Ghumantu aur Ardh Ghumantu: Dasa aur Disha by Shri Rajesh Kumar, Social Worker, Nomadic Tribal Council
2. 19th February, 2025: Dr. Ambedkar and Arya Samaj by Shri Ravi Shankar, Director for Civilisation Studies (Chair), Dr. Ajeet Kumar Puri, Assistant Professor, DU - Guest Speaker
3. 21st March, 2025: India's National Security Challenges by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Member, UPSC)
4. 14th April, 2025: Dr. Ambedkar 1st Annual Memorial Lecture - Delivered by Supreme Court Justice B.R. Gavai
5. 30th May, 2025: Financial Inclusion in the BFSI Landscape, Prof.Sunder Ram Korivi
6. 8th August, 2025: Expert Talk on India's National Security Challenges in the Neighbourhood by Shantanu Mukherjee
7. 17th September, 2025: Prof. (Dr.) N.R. Madhava Menon Lecture & Book Launch on Legal and Justice Education @ 2047: An Agenda for 100 Years of Independence
v. Panel Discussions and Seminars
1. 02 June, 2025: Panel Discussion on Indian Knowledge System organised in collaboration with World Intellectual Foundation. The panel included Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & National Spokesperson, BJP and Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor, JNU.
2. NAMO Bharat Dialogues (on-going Series) - A series of panel discussions organised in collaboration with The Indian Futures on topics such as India's Democratic Renaissance, 5 years of NEP, Tariffs and the way forward.
3. 16 September 2025: A panel discussion on 'Geopolitical Churning, Technological Disruptions and Modern Warfare' was organised in collaboration with World Intellectual Foundation. The event featured Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla, (Retd.), Member UPSC, Amb. Anil Trigunayat, IFS (Retd.), Lt. Gen. Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd.) and Sandeep Unnithan, Senior Journalist The panel discussion was moderated by Col. Akash Patil, Director, DAIC.
4. 09 October, 2025: A panel discussion titled, 'Sinauli Speaks: Unearthing India's Indigenous Civilizational Roots Beyond the Aryan Invasion Myth', was organised in collaboration with World Intellectual Foundation.
5. 03 December, 2025: Panel Discussion titled, 'Transgender: Journeys Unveiled' was organised by DAIC. The panel consisted of Ms. Abina Aher, Ms. Rudrina Chettri and Dr. Amrendra Khatua. The panel was moderated by Col. Akash Patil, Director, DAIC.
vi. Conferences
1. 22 August, 2025: Third International Conference of Young Buddhist Scholars in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) on "Wisdom Transmission in Buddha Dhamma in the 21st Century
2. 29-30 March, 2025: The 7th Edition of the Bodh Gaya Global Dialogues in association with Deshkal Society was graced by H.E Major General Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador Royal Bhutanese Embassy, Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma, Chairperson Research and Information System for Developing Countries
vii. Book Launch
1. 09 September, 2025: DAIC hosted Padma Bhushan Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), along with other distinguished guests, at the book launch of DAIC's publication titled "The Voyage of Indian Constitution: Ideas, Issues, Institutions and Impact"
viii. Lectures on Dr. Ambedkar's Life, Works and Philosophy
1. 20February, 2025: Lecture at the University of Jammu
2. 08 April, 2025: Lecture at Hansraj College, Delhi University
3. 11 April, 2025: Lecture at Zakhir Hussain College, Delhi University
4. 22 April, 2025: Lecture at Gargi College, Delhi University
5. 28April, 2025: Lecture at Ambedkar University
ix. Lecture Series: 'Know your Constitution'
1. 10 September, 2025: Lecture at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College
2. 29 September, 2025: Lecture at Kalindi College, Delhi University
x. Cultural Events
1. 17 April, 2025: The ideological mega-drama "क्रांतिविचार: डॉ. बाबा साहब आम्बेडकर जी के लेख एवं भाषणों परआधारित एक वैचारिक महानाट्य प्रस्तुति" was organised as a joint collaboration between CCRT and DAIC at Bhim Auditorium, DAIC.
2. 30 April, 2025: DAIC in collaboration with MyGov organised three contests on the occasion of the 135th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar. These contests included a song composition contest, a short video making contest and an essay writing contest.
3. 11 August, 2025: Chandalika - Shri Rabindranath Tagore's Musical Dance Drama
4. 31 October, 2025: On occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas" a Pledge Taking Ceremony was organised at DAIC & DANM" and it concluded with the 'Run for Unity'
5. 17 October, 2025: 12th Swami Vivekananda Smriti Karmayogi Award 2025, Collaboration with My Home India.
xi. Cultural Collaborations
1. September 17 - 21, 2025: Paintings Exhibition to commemorate the 75th birth anniversary of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the theme of ' Celebrating Leadership, Vision and Service through Art' and participation in the Yamuna Sustainability Run 4.0 with the Vivekananda Youth Connect Foundation
2. 03 December, 2025: A fashion cultural show, titled, 'We the People' was organised in collaboration with designer Ms.Rosy Ahluwalia. The event celebrated transfender models and highlighted khadi.
xii. Publications
1. Samajik Nyay Sandesh, Yamuna Manthan 2025 released on 11th July, 2025.
2. Dr. Ambedkar Bibliographical Handbook as an extensive information source for books, journals and theses.
3. Coffee Table Book on Scientific Research Posters (Collaboration with Extemplar Education Linkers Foundation)
Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (DANM)
xiii. DANM Visit by Austrian Advantage Trade Delegation, Austrian Embassy Commercial Division
xiv. DANM Visit by Delegates of the All India Speaker's Conference - 25th August Speakers and Deputy Speakers - 100 Years of Veer Vithalbhai's Election as the First Speaker
xv. Total Number of School Visits: 261 Schools ((Till Nov, 2025).
xvi. Grand Total Footfall (Educational Institutions / Visitors), in 2025 (Till Nov, 2025): 2,87,169 Visitors.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
