SCSP-TSP Act - 2013

The Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act, 2013 was enacted on 24th January, 2013 to ensure , accelerated development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with emphasis on achieving equality in the next ten years focusing on economic, educational and human development along with ensuring the security and social dignity and promoting equity among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, by earmarking a portion, in proportion to population of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the State, of the total plan outlay of the state of Andhra Pradesh as the outlay of the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan/Tribal Sub-Plan of the state and ensuring effective institutional mechanisms for the implementation and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

The fact that Dalits and Tribals are the most vulnerable groups and are at the lowest rung of the development ladder is well-understood by the Governments at both Central and State level and this understanding of the gaps in development indicators between SCs/STs and other sections of the society led to the initiation of special plans for them with earmarked budgetary support in the form of Special Component Plan for Scheduled Castes (SCSP) as well as Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). However, funds meant for SCs and STs were frequently diverted to other departments such as roads and buildings, water supply etc. This Act aims to ensure that people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes get their due in so far as funds allocated for their development are actually spent for the purpose envisaged. This marked a radical departure from the practice followed so far with respect to SCs and STs.

For the Financial Years 2013-14 and 2014-15, Rs. 205.4 and 430 crores respectively, have been proposed as assistance to SERP under SCSP for livelihood enhancement of vulnerable SC families, bonded labour rehabilitation, Ambedkar Model Village and updation of baseline data of SC families and habitations.

Similarly, under TSP, Rs. 26 and 113.36 crores have been proposed for the respective financial years, as assistance to SERP for livelihood enhancement of vulnerable ST families, support to Yanadi families and updation of baseline data of ST families and habitations.