Steps Taken by Government to Deal with Casteism and Communalism in the Country
The Central Government provides assistance to State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations towards incentive for inter-caste marriages, where one of the spouses is a member of a Scheduled Caste. Besides, such couples whose annual income is up to Rs. 5.00 lakh can also directly seek an incentive of Rs. 2.50 lakh under ‘Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages’ started during 2014-15 of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (i) has issued the Communal Harmony guidelines in 2008, (ii) suitable advisories and alert messages are also sent to the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations from time to time, (iii) activities of organizations having a bearing on communal harmony in the country are also kept under the watch of law enforcement agencies, and requisite legal action is taken, where deemed necessary.
This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Rattan Lal Katariain a written reply in Lok Sabha today.