Dalit Bandhu — Telangana Dalit Empowerment Scheme
Note: Eligibility criteria, benefit amounts, and application deadlines for government schemes change frequently.
Verify all details on the official Telangana government portal before applying.
Dalit Bandhu
Dalit Bandhu (దళిత్ బంధు — "Dalit's friend") is Telangana's flagship scheme for Dalit economic empowerment, providing a one-time direct cash transfer of ₹10 lakh to Dalit families for setting up enterprises.
What Makes It Different
Unlike most welfare schemes that provide subsidies or in-kind benefits, Dalit Bandhu provides direct, unconditional cash support — allowing families to choose their enterprise, invest in assets, or start businesses without bureaucratic gatekeeping.
Eligibility
- Scheduled Caste families in Telangana
- Annual income below the specified threshold
- Priority to landless agricultural labourers, beedi rollers, and other marginalised occupations within SC communities
Amount
₹10 lakh per beneficiary family (as of original scheme design; verify current amount and any conditions at official source).
How to Apply
The scheme operates through a phased rollout:
- Initial pilot in Huzurabad constituency (2021)
- Expansion district by district
- Applications through Ward Secretariat and District Collector office
Official source: SC Welfare Department, Telangana — ts.gov.in