Guwahati: Union Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday visited Guwahati and reviewed the schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt of India and its implementation in the state with the senior officials of the Government of Assam.

The minister said that his visit to the state corresponds to the direction of the Prime Minister of India who has instructed its ministers to provide every assistance to the people of the Northeast from their respective ministries.

The minister in details discussed with the officials of the Department of Social Welfare and other departments about the schemes provided by the government for the welfare of the rural population, ST, SC population and for the disabled people of the state.

Briefing the media, the minister said that the schorlarship scheme of the government, the minister said that he has been informed 7% of the population belong to the Scheduled Castes whereas tribals constitute 15% of the population. Under the scholarship scheme, the minister said, Rs 59,000 cr has been allocated for a span for 5 years.

60% of the amount will be from the Centre and 40% from State. Post this, every year there will be an increase of 5% of the Centre’s share till the share reaches 80 per cent. His ministry is committed to providing scholarship to all eligible students and on time, the minister added

Speaking about the schemes for the divyangs, the minister said that his ministry is working for providing opportunities and facilities for the disabled people so as to create an atmosphere which will guarantee them equal opportunities. This can ensure the protection of their rights and enable their full participation in the society, he added. Some of the schemes are like assistance to disabled persons by providing them with aids and appliances, and pensions for the disables.

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