Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday that the government will give special importance to implementation of schemes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities.
Presenting the General Budget 2017-18, Jaitley said the allocation for welfare of Scheduled Castes has been raised from Rs 38,833 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 52,393 crore in 2017-18 -- an increase of about 35 per cent.
"The allocation for Scheduled Tribes has been increased to Rs 31,920 crore and for minority affairs to Rs 4,195 crore," he added.
Jaitley added that Aadhar-based smart cards will be introduced for senior citizens, which will contain their health details.
The scheme will kick off with a pilot in 15 districts during 2017-18, Jaitley said.
He added that the Life Insurance Corporation of India will also implement a scheme for senior citizens to provide assured pension, with a guaranteed return of 8 per cent per annum for 10 years.
--IANS
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