PM-DAKSH Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme which was launched in 2020-21 with an objective to enhance competency level of the different target groups like Scheduled Caste's (SCs), Other Backward Caste's (OBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Safai Karamcharis including Waste Pickers to make them employable both in wage-employment and self- employment for their social economic development. Most of the persons from the target group are having minimal economic assets; therefore, provision of training and enhancing their competencies is essential for economic empowerment/ upliftment of these marginalized target groups.

Under the scheme, any Other Backward Caste's (OBCs) and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates whose annual family income is less than Rs. 3.0 lakh is eligible to get training whereas there is no income limit for the candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste's (SCs)/De-notified Tribes (DNTs), Safai Karamcharis including Waste Pickers.

The scheme has been approved for an amount of Rs. 450 Cr. from the years 2021-22 to 2025-26. There has been no change in Budget Estimate of 2025-26, which is Rs. 130 Crore under PM-DAKSH Scheme.

This information was provided by UNION MINISTER OF STATE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT, SHRI B.L. VERMA, in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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VM

(Lok Sabha US Q1469)

(Release ID: 2149715)