The Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of the Government of Maharashtra is dedicated to promoting equity inclusion and empowerment among marginalized communities within the state. Established with a commitment to uphold constitutional principles of justice and equality the department focuses on addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by Scheduled Castes (SC). The department implements various welfare schemes for upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SC) population old age persons, Transgender Community and other weaker sections of the society. Department provides assistance in the form of Education Training Skilling Employment generation Housing Social assistance etc.
History of Department
| Year |
Key Developments |
| 1928 |
‘Start Commission’ formed for Backward Classes Welfare |
| 1932 |
O.H.B. Start appointed Director |
| 1947 |
Directorate shifted from Mumbai to Pune |
| 1982 |
Tribal Development Department separated |
| 1999 |
Other Backward Class Department created |
| 2001 |
Social Justice and Special Assistance Department established |
| 2017 |
Other Backward Bahujan Welfare Dept. separated |
| 2022 |
Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Welfare Dept. separated |
| Major initiatives under Social Welfare Department |
Count |
| Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Samajik Nyay Bhavan |
35 |
| Government Residential Schools (Capacity – 18,600) – (Boys Hostel 60 + Girls Hostel 32) |
92 |
| Government Hostels (Boys Hostel 230 + Girls Hostel 211) |
441 |
| Aided Hostels (Boys Hostel 1,804 + Girls Hostel 584) |
2388 |
| Residential Schools for children whose parents are working in unclean profession |
2 |
| Aided Ashram Schools |
19 |
| Aided Old Age Home |
52 |
