SC categorisation rolled out in Rajiv Vikasam benefiting 5 lakh | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: The state govt is set to implement SC categorisation for the first time under the newly-launched Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme, aimed at promoting social equity and targeted welfare.This marks a significant shift in how benefits are distributed, as the scheme will be the first to operationalise the SC Categorisation Act, grouping 59 castes into three categories with specific reservation quotas.The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure inclusive development by tailoringwelfare benefits to the most marginalised within the SC community.According to sources, district collectors have been instructed to select eligible beneficiaries from 59 castes, based on a 15% reservation structure. The instructions detail how many applications were received from each category and outline the reservation methodology. This marks the first official application of the SC Categorisation Act in a welfare initiative.Under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam, a total of 1,44,800 applications were received from SCs across 33 districts. Of these, 9,600 applications were from group 1, 88,900 from group 2 and 48,270 from group 3. Notably, group 2 saw the highest response, with applications predominantly coming from 18 castes, which constitute 62% of that group’s population.Although the scheme is initially intended to benefit five lakh individuals this year, the govt has received double the expected number of applications. The scheme also includes 25% reservation for women and 5% for persons with disabilities.Applications will be processed according to the SC Categorisation Act, with reservations allocated as 1% for group 1, 9% for group 2, and 5% for group 3. Banks are currently scrutinising the applications. Statewide, a total of 16,23,764 applications have been verified by mandal parishad development officers and municipal commissioners.In addition, around 12 lakh applicants have applied for loans in the ₹4 lakh category, setting a record. Bank officials are in the process of reviewing these applications. So far, about 25% of the applications have been processed, and banks are expected to submit the list of eligible beneficiaries to district collectors within a week.The govt plans to issue loan sanction letters to eligible applicants on the 2nd of next month. Beneficiaries will receive funds in two direct instalments into their bank accounts. This year’s scheme will be implemented with a total budget of ₹6,000 crore.
