Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A (2022)

After the formation of the new State of Telangana, on the 2^nd June, 2014, the State Government has attached the top-most priority for the development of Scheduled Tribes population in the State, which accounts for 9.08% of the total population as per the 2011 Census. The Tribal Welfare Department was nominated as nodal department to co-ordinate and monitor the implementation of various schemes reflect the importance given by the Government to ensure all-round development of the Scheduled Tribes. The Act is aimed to ensure accelerated development of SCs and STs with emphasis on achieving equality, focusing on economic, educational and human development along with security and social dignity and promoting equity among SCs and STs. In accordance with section (3) of the SDF Act, the State Government shall earmark a portion of the total Pragathipaddu outlay of the State in proportion to population of SCs and STs in the state in every financial year to be called as the SC & ST Special Development Fund.