Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana: A Pillar of Support for Education

Welfare schemes empowering Scheduled Caste beneficiaries through the Social Welfare Department

Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, through the Indian Constitution, gave the nation the guiding principle of social unity based on the trinity of equality, liberty, and fraternity. Article 46 of the Constitution entrusts the State with the responsibility of promoting the educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. In line with this vision, the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance has taken significant steps to ensure the holistic development of marginalized communities through various welfare schemes.

In Solapur district, several welfare programs are being implemented for Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist beneficiaries through the Social Welfare Department. Among them, the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana has emerged as a lifeline for students from these communities who are unable to secure admission in government hostels.

Schemes Supporting Educational Empowerment

To ensure that students from Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist backgrounds do not face financial barriers in their education journey, multiple scholarship programs are being run in Solapur district:

• Scholarship Scheme: Funds are directly deposited into students’ bank accounts via the Maha DBT system. In 2024–25, 13,958 students benefitted with ₹24.94 crore.
• Out-of-State Scholarship Scheme: 10 students pursuing education outside Maharashtra received ₹26.13 lakh in living allowances.
• Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj Merit Award: 175 meritorious students from Class 10 and 12 received incentives worth ₹8.75 lakh.
• Military School Scholarship: 49 students in residential military schools were granted allowances totaling ₹7.35 lakh.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana: A Pillar for Students

For Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist students aspiring for higher education but unable to secure seats in government hostels, this scheme has proved a boon. Students enrolled in Classes 11 and 12, as well as professional and non-professional courses, receive up to ₹43,000 annually directly in their bank accounts for food, accommodation, study materials, and living expenses.

The Office of the Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare in Solapur has taken proactive steps to expand awareness of the scheme among students through:

• Digital banners and information brochures
• Publicity via Akashvani (All India Radio) and leading newspapers
• Direct visits to colleges across the district

As a result, in 2024–25 alone, 889 students received benefits totaling ₹3.71 crore. These figures reflect not just financial aid but also a transformative step toward social change.

Key Schemes Driving Social and Economic Development

The Social Welfare Department in Solapur is also effectively implementing several other schemes:

1. Ramai Awas Yojana
   Construction of permanent houses (269 sq. ft.) for Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist families. This year, 2,280 houses were sanctioned.
2. Karmaveer Dadasaheb Gaikwad Self-Respect and Empowerment Scheme
   Assistance for land purchase with 100% subsidy for landless individuals. This year, 1 beneficiary was allotted 0.81 hectares.
3. Transgender Identity Card Distribution
   To promote social inclusion, ID and certification were issued to 51 transgender individuals.
4. Sugarcane Workers’ Welfare Scheme
   Financial assistance provided to 17 sugarcane laborers.
5. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Social Development Scheme
   Approval granted for works providing basic amenities in 158 urban and rural localities.

The Social Welfare Department in Solapur has gone beyond mere implementation—placing emphasis on awareness, transparency, and participation to maximize impact. Among all initiatives, the Swadhar Yojana especially stands out as a true embodiment of social justice values. More than financial aid, it is a movement of social transformation that paves the way for dignity and self-reliance through education.