After NCSC intervention, DFS orders scheme-wise and bank-wise reporting of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries by SLBCs
Following an intervention by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, the Department of Financial Services directed all SLBC/UTLBC convenors to report scheme-wise and bank-wise numbers and percentages of SC beneficiaries under major financial schemes, with an action-taken report due by 9 October 2026.
Summary
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) said on 7 October 2026 that, after its intervention, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has directed State and UT Level Bankers' Committees (SLBCs/UTLBCs) to report the number and percentage of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries assisted under major government financial schemes, scheme-wise and bank-wise. NCSC Secretary Vivek Kumar Dewangan had written to DFS on 24 September 2026 that SLBC reports did not show SC coverage under schemes such as PM Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, CGTMSE and MSME business loans, hindering the Commission's mandate under Article 338(5)(c) of the Constitution. DFS issued the directions on 5 October 2026 and asked for an action-taken report by 9 October 2026, using data already available with banks.
Key facts
- Commission
- National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
- Directions by
- Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance (dated 5 October 2026)
- Addressed to
- SLBC/UTLBC convenors in all States and UTs
- Requirement
- Scheme-wise and bank-wise number and % of SC beneficiaries
- Schemes named
- PMMY, Stand-Up India, PMEGP, PM SVANidhi, CGTMSE, MSME business loans
- Action-taken report
- To DFS by 9 October 2026
- NCSC letter
- 24 September 2026, Secretary Vivek Kumar Dewangan
- Constitutional mandate
- Article 338(5)(c): evaluate progress of socio-economic development of SCs
Practice MCQs 1 questions
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes cited which constitutional provision as its mandate to evaluate the progress of socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Article 338(5)(c)