Definitions

Definitions: In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

1. (a) "Backward Classes" means such classes of citizens other than the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes as may be identified by the State Government for the purposes of this Act;
2. (b) "Backward Classes Sub-Plan (BCSP)" means the plan for the development of Backward Classes through the allocation and utilisation of financial resources for the schemes specifically benefiting Backward Classes;
3. (c) "Backward Classes Sub-Plan Fund" means the portion of the plan outlay of the State earmarked for the purposes of this Act;
4. (d) "Gaps in development" means the differences in the development indicators between the Backward Classes and the general population;
5. (e) "General Schemes" means the schemes which are implemented for the benefit of the population in general;
6. (f) "Habitation" means a cluster of households or a settlement, so recognised by the State Government;
7. (g) "Nodal Agency for BCSP" means the agency constituted by the State Government for coordinating the implementation of the Backward Classes Sub-Plan;
8. (h) "Nodal Department" means the department of the State Government dealing with the welfare of Backward Classes.