Over 24% of India's population, with SC at over 16% and ST over 8% as per the 2001 Census. The proportion of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the population of India has steadily risen.
Statistics:
SC/ST Population in India:
About 16.2% of the Indian population is SCs and 8.2% of that is STs.
| SC/ST in India | Population | % |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes | 166,635,700 | 16.2% |
| Scheduled Tribes | 84,326,240 | 8.2% |
Source: http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/India_at_glance/scst.aspx
SC/ST Population in Tamilnadu:
SCs/STs together comprise of 20% of Tamilnadu's population, with SC at over 19% and ST over 1% as per 2001 Census.
| SC/ST in Tamilnadu | Rural | Urban | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes | 8,308,890 | 3,548,614 | 11,857,504 |
| Scheduled Tribes | 551,143 | 100,178 | 651,321 |
Source: http://www.tn.gov.in/census2001/district.htm
Challenges of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes:
The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who constitute the weakest sections of our society are subjected to economic exploitation and social discrimination. This unfortunate situation has been largely responsible for their abject poverty and illiteracy. Due to social disabilities arising from the practice of untouchables against the Scheduled Castes and geographical isolation in the case of the Scheduled Tribes, they have been alienated from the rest of the community as a result of which they have been forced to lead a life of economic and social subjugation.
An idea of the enormity of the problems facing SC and ST can be gathered from the demographic profile, which indicates that these two unprivileged groups constitute about one-fourth of the total population of the country. Considering the extent of poverty, it becomes imperative that the occupations in which they are engaged generate insufficient income.
Our Impact:
1. VelaiSMS triggers the most important interventions through the Employability process and improve their working and living conditions as well as social, economic and educational development by delivering information to them rather they coming to required locations to access it.
2. VelaiSMS thrives to prepare them better to face challenges in the subsequent years and make them part of the mainstream Indians by providing skill-training information.
3. Cottage and handloom industry jobs plus onsite/offsite works are channelized, giving them an opportunity to earn, thus they need not come to work locations as they can execute work from home base.
4. By providing access to reach out to them for Skill Trainers and Employers, the demography which was not considered before for economic growth of our Bharat has truly become "Inclusive".
