Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub Scheme (SCA to TSS) is part of the Umbrella Scheme for Development of Scheduled Tribes which is now a Core of the Core Scheme. It supplements the efforts of State Governments for development and welfare of tribal people by extending Special Central Assistance as an additive to the State Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).

Under the special area programme of the Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS), Grants are released to 27 States, having notified STs for development and welfare of tribal people. Funds are released to States based upon proposals received from the State Governments after the approval of State Level Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary of the State, and considered in the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC), to bridge the gaps in sectors like education, health, agriculture, skill development, employment-cum-income generation, etc. 100% grants are provided to States.

Major part of infrastructure development in tribal dominated areas and provision of basic amenities to tribal people in the country is carried out through various schemes / programmes of concerned Central Ministries and the State Governments concerned, while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides additive to these initiatives by way of plugging gaps under SCA to TSS.