evidence: From limiting coverage of pre-matric scholarship for OBCs students to setting up a commission to examine the matter of giving Scheduled Caste status to religious converts who were 'historically' SCs, the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry remained in spotlight this year. The ministry evoked critical reactions from various quarters over its decision to limit its pre-matric scholarship scheme meant for OBC and minority communities to students of Classes 9 and 10. Earlier, the pre-matric scholarship used to cover education for Classes 1 to 8 as well for students belonging to minority communities. The ministry also appointed a commission headed by former CJI K G Balakrishnan to examine the matter of giving Scheduled Caste status to new people who claim to "historically" have belonged to the SCs, but have converted to a religion other than those mentioned in the presidential orders. Accessibility remains a major challenge for the physically challenged in India even this year.