What happened (scheme merger from March 31, 2023)
The Government informed the Rajya Sabha that the Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages and the Dr. Ambedkar National Relief to the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Victims of Atrocities Scheme were merged with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment from March 31, 2023. The stated aim of the merger was to avoid duplication in implementing multiple schemes.
The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, communicated these details in reply to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2052 on welfare schemes under the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
Background and earlier position (where the merged scheme fits)
The Rajya Sabha reply states that the two Dr. Ambedkar Foundation schemes were merged with the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for implementation of: Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Under this Centrally Sponsored Scheme, Central assistance is provided to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The scheme is implemented by the respective State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, and responsibility for effective implementation rests with them.