Enhancing Social Inclusion: Exploring Budget Allocations for SC, ST, Women, Children, and the North Eastern Region in 2024-25

In the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, significant emphasis has been placed on the welfare and development of women, children, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and the North Eastern Region (NER). Let's delve into the budget allocations for these key demographic groups, comparing the actuals of 2022-23 and the revised estimates of 2023-24 with the budgeted allocations for 2024-25. 

Welfare of Women: 

• Actual Expenditure 2022-23: Rs 2,17,423 crore 
• Revised Estimate 2023-24: Rs 2,60,095 crore 
• Budgeted Allocation 2024-25: Rs 3,09,690 crore 
• % Change (RE 23-24 to BE 24-25): 19.1% 

Welfare of Children: 

• Actual Expenditure 2022-23: Rs 86,510 crore 
• Revised Estimate 2023-24: Rs 93,221 crore 
• Budgeted Allocation 2024-25: Rs 1,09,493 crore 
• % Change (RE 23-24 to BE 24-25): 17.5% 

Scheduled Castes (SCs): 

• Actual Expenditure 2022-23: Rs 133,008 crore 
• Revised Estimate 2023-24: Rs 146,861 crore 
• Budgeted Allocation 2024-25: Rs 165,598 crore 
• % Change (RE 23-24 to BE 24-25): 12.8% 

Scheduled Tribes (STs): 

• Actual Expenditure 2022-23: Rs 92,176 crore 
• Revised Estimate 2023-24: Rs 109,242 crore 
• Budgeted Allocation 2024-25: Rs 121,023 crore 
• % Change (RE 23-24 to BE 24-25): 10.8% 

North Eastern Region (NER): 

• Actual Expenditure 2022-23: Not available 
• Revised Estimate 2023-24: Rs 91,785 crore 
• Budgeted Allocation 2024-25: Rs 96,858 crore 
• % Change (RE 23-24 to BE 24-25): 5.5% 

These figures showcase a significant increase in budgetary allocations across various welfare schemes and initiatives aimed at uplifting marginalized communities in the fiscal year 2024-25. The substantial rise in allocations underscores the government's commitment to addressing the socio-economic needs and promoting the holistic development of these vulnerable segments of society. 

The allocations towards the welfare of women and children have witnessed notable increments, reflecting a prioritization of programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and investments in school education. Additionally, the allocations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes demonstrate a continued focus on empowering these communities through targeted interventions and support schemes. 

Furthermore, the modest increase in allocations for the North Eastern Region signifies the government's recognition of the region's unique developmental challenges and the need for sustained investment in its growth and prosperity. 

As these budgetary allocations translate into tangible initiatives and interventions on the ground, it is imperative to ensure effective implementation and monitoring mechanisms to maximize their impact and reach. By fostering inclusive growth and empowerment, these initiatives are poised to drive positive socio-economic change and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for all segments of society.

Mon Feb 5, 2024