Dalit Adivasi Budget Analysis 2022-23

Published in February 2022, this analysis is part of an annual series by the Dalit Arthik Adhikar Andolan (DAAA) of the National Campaign on Dalit Human Right, New Delhi. Motivated by the importance of resource allocation towards Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) amidst increasing inequality, this report examines the 2022-23 Union Budget.  The report focuses on three main aspects of the Union Budget: (i) the amount allocated, (ii) the proportion of schemes directly benefitting SCs and STs, and (iii) budget credibility. The 22-page document is organized into seven sections, beginning with an introduction to the importance of Dalit and Adivasi budgeting to support vulnerable citizens. This is in the context of Covid-19 wreaking havoc on migrant workers and high levels of unemployment. Section 2 features an analysis of budget credibility, which is the gap between the approved budget and fund utilization. Section 3 focuses on education justice. Section 4 analyzes schemes targeting SCs and STs and Section 5 considers schemes that benefit women. Sections 6 and 7 look at access to land and justice, respectively, before a set of recommendations are outlined.