Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced on 23 October 2026 the current status of the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY). The scheme provides grant-in-aid to NGOs and local bodies to maintain care facilities, currently supporting 764 Senior Citizen Homes, 13 Continuous Care Homes, 17 Mobile Medicare Units, and 3 Physiotherapy Clinics.
- Who it affects
- eligible organizations including NGOs, State Governments, Panchayati Raj Institutions and local bodies
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Across India
Source details
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 23 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced on 22 October 2026 that the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 is currently underway at Farm Gate, Khanapara, Guwahati. The event provides a platform for 75 artisans, including 31 women, from Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Safai Mitras, and Denotified Tribes to sell approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products directly to the public.
- Who it affects
- artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Safai Mitras and Denotified Tribes (DNTs)
- When · Where
- On 28 October 2026: conclusion of the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Guwahati (+1 more) · Guwahati, Assam
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 22 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced on 22 October 2026 that its Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) has reached over 35 crore people, including 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women. Launched on 15 August 2020, the campaign focuses on drug demand reduction through awareness, treatment, and community participation across more than 32 lakh educational institutions.
- Who it affects
- youth, women, and educational institutions
- When · Where
- By 31 December 2029: uprooting the drug trade from India (+2 more) · Across India
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 22 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced on 22 October 2026 that Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar held a review meeting with the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. The Minister called for the strict implementation of the MS Act 2013 and the use of mechanised equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to eliminate unsafe practices.
- Who it affects
- sanitation workers
- When · Where
- On 22 October 2026: Meeting between Union Minister and NCSK officials · across the country
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 22 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment reported on 22 October 2026 that the PM-DAKSH scheme, which provided skill training for SC, OBC, EWS, and other marginalized groups, has been merged with the PMKVY scheme. This decision, effective from 2024-25, aims to avoid duplication as both schemes used the same job roles from the Skill India Digital Hub.
- Who it affects
- skill training beneficiaries
- When · Where
- From 1 April 2024: merger of PM-DAKSH with PMKVY (+1 more) · Across India
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
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- 22 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment stated on 21 October 2026 that the Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme is helping couples build stable lives. Implemented by the Government of Maharashtra's Social Welfare Department, the scheme provides financial assistance to eligible inter-caste couples to purchase household items and meet daily needs.
- Who it affects
- eligible inter-caste couples
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Maharashtra
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 21 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced on 20 October 2026 that the Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 will begin in Guwahati, Assam, on 21 October. The event, running until 28 October, allows 75 artisans—including 31 women—to showcase and sell approximately 40 varieties of handloom and handicraft products.
- Who it affects
- artisans belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Safai Mitras and Denotified Tribes (DNTs)
- When · Where
- Until 28 October 2026: end of Shilp Samagam Mela 2026 in Guwahati (+1 more) · Guwahati, Assam
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 20 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment reported on 19 October 2026 that four sanitation workers in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, have transitioned to mechanised service entrepreneurs. Through the Swachhta Udyami Yojana under the NAMASTE Scheme, the group received a capital subsidy of Rs 13.96 lakh and a bank loan of Rs 21.89 lakh to purchase a Mini Jetting Machine.
- Who it affects
- sanitation workers
- When · Where
- From 1 January 2021: support provided to the group (+1 more) · Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Source details
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 19 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 17 October 2026 that a couple in Maharashtra received financial assistance through the state's Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme. Implemented by the Social Welfare Department, the scheme provides funds to help couples manage household expenses and essential needs.
- Who it affects
- eligible couples who choose inter-caste marriage
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Maharashtra
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
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- 17 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 16 October 2026 the recovery journey of an individual from Mandla, Madhya Pradesh. The person received free medical, psychological, and social support starting 7 May 2026 at the Saidhantik Drug De-Addiction Center under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
- Who it affects
- individuals with substance dependence
- When · Where
- On 7 May 2026: start of comprehensive assistance for the individual · Mandla, Madhya Pradesh
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 16 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reported on 16 October 2026 that a sanitation worker from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, transitioned to self-employment using the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) under the NAMASTE scheme. The individual received a capital subsidy of ₹3.64 lakh and a loan of ₹5.91 lakh during 2021–22 to purchase a desludging vehicle.
- Who it affects
- one sanitation worker
- When · Where
- From 1 January 2021: receipt of financial assistance · Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
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- 16 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 16 October 2026 that a scholar from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, has received support through the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme. The assistance, which began in January 2024, includes a fellowship, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and contingency support to help the student manage doctoral study expenses.
- Who it affects
- one scholar
- When · Where
- From 1 January 2024: commencement of fellowship assistance · Kangra, Himachal Pradesh
Source details
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 16 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 15 October 2026 that a sanitation worker from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, transitioned to self-employment using the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) under the NAMASTE Scheme. On 12 August 2025, the individual received a capital subsidy of Rs 4,08,500 and a loan of Rs 7,25,500 to purchase a Tractor cum Suction Machine for a total project cost of Rs 11,34,000.
- Who it affects
- one sanitation worker
- When · Where
- On 12 August 2025: receipt of financial assistance under Swachhta Udyami Yojana · Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
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- 15 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 15 October 2026 the impact of the Inter-Caste Marriage Incentive Scheme. The scheme provides financial assistance to eligible inter-caste couples to help them purchase essential household items and manage daily expenses.
- Who it affects
- eligible inter-caste couples
- When · Where
- On 1 June 2026: marriage of the beneficiary couple · Maharashtra
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 15 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment stated on 14 October 2026 that the National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) provides financial support to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursue higher education and research. The scheme provides a monthly fellowship of ₹31,000 to cover educational, research, and living expenses.
- Who it affects
- eligible Scheduled Caste students
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Across India
Source details
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 14 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 13 October 2026 how the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students (NFSC) Scheme helps students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds pursue higher education. The release shares the case of a resident of Ahmedabad whose fellowship assistance began in December 2019, allowing him to overcome financial barriers to pursue a Ph.D. The scheme aims to make research opportunities more accessible by reducing economic hardships for aspiring scholars.
- Who it affects
- Scheduled Caste students
- When · Where
- From 1 December 2019: start of fellowship assistance for the featured student · Across Gujarat
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 13 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment reported on 13 October 2026 that the Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY), part of the NAMASTE framework, provides financial assistance and equipment to help Safai Karamcharis create self-reliant income sources. In one instance on 21 August 2025, a group of five individuals received a capital subsidy of Rs 18.75 lakh and a loan of Rs 31.25 lakh to purchase a Gulfer 8 KL desludging vehicle.
- Who it affects
- Safai Karamcharis
- When · Where
- On 21 August 2025: receipt of assistance under Swachhta Udyami Yojana · Across India
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 13 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced on 13 October 2026 that the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) provides treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation to help individuals overcome substance dependence. The release shares the case of a 47-year-old man from Gorakhpur who received free medical care and psychological support starting 13 August 2021.
- Who it affects
- one individual
- When · Where
- On 13 August 2021: individual received support under NAPDDR · Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
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- 13 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment stated on 12 October 2026 that the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) Scheme provides financial aid to eligible scholars for doctoral studies. The support includes fellowship funds, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and contingency assistance to remove financial barriers to higher education.
- Who it affects
- eligible scholars
- When · Where
- On 1 November 2020: start of fellowship assistance for a scholar · Across Rajasthan
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- Published on
- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
- File hosted on
- www.pib.gov.in, the government's file server for pib.gov.in
- Dated
- 12 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 12 October 2026 that the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) provides financial assistance through its Term Loan Scheme. This scheme helps eligible beneficiaries start income-generating activities to achieve economic self-reliance and move away from seasonal labour.
- Who it affects
- eligible beneficiaries
- When · Where
- Not stated in the document · Across Uttar Pradesh
Source details
- Issued by
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 12 October 2026
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Announcements & other updates
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced on 9 October 2026 that the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) is conducting Special Campaign 6. This initiative, running from 2 to 31 October 2026, aims to reduce pending work, improve record management, free up office space, and dispose of e-waste.
- Who it affects
- DEPwD and its associated offices and bodies
- When · Where
- From 2 October 2026: Special Campaign 6 (+3 more) · Across India
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- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
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- Press Information Bureau, pib.gov.in (Press releases)
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- 9 October 2026
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