Dr.Thomas (Special Correspondent)
Highlights
1.The SCSP,TSP Act 2013 was implemented during the previous period of our government.24.1 percent of the government’s overall development budget is being spent on the development of these communities.
2.In the Development Council Meeting held today for the year 2024-25,under the SCSP/TSP scheme,Rs. 39,121.46 crore has been provided.Compared to last year,there is an increase of 11% increase,i.e.,Rs.3,897 crores.Under SCSP, Rs.27,673.96 crore has been provided, and Rs.11,447.50 crore has been provided under TSP.
3.The Act ensures the allocation of a budget in proportion to the population of SC/STs in the States. Karnataka is the second state in the entire country to implement such a law.Only Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have implemented the law.Neither the central government nor other states have framed this law.The Prime Minister has been urged many times to frame a law on the model of Karnataka.
4.In this year’s action plan, the women and child welfare department has been provided Rs.8,480 crore,the energy department Rs.5,026 crore, the social welfare department Rs.4,174 crore, the revenue department Rs. 3,403 crore,and the rural development department Rs. 3,163 crore.
5.Last year,against the budget allocation of Rs. 35,221.84 crore,97.23 percent was spent and 99.64 percent achievement was recorded against release.
6.Officers have directed that,this grant should not lapse without being used for any reason.It should be spent in the same year.
7.No money is spent in various corporations for Scheduled Caste,Scheduled Tribes.The reason given is that MLAs have not provided the list.The chairmen of the corporations and the concerned ministers were directed to persuade the legislators to provide the list of beneficiaries.
8.With omission of Section 7(d) of the Act it is ensured that the amount is spent for only these communities.
9.Some members complained about grants exceeding 24.1% in certain departments.
10.The Housing Department received Rs.1560.30 crore. However,only Rs.30 crore were allocated for infrastructure development in the Slum Development Board.MLA Prasad Abbayya,the board’s chairman, requested more funds for developmental activities. The Chief Minister suggested to take savings from other departments and re allocate it to Slum Development Board.
11.It is estimated that Rs.1,320 crore can be saved under SCSP/TSP in various departments and these funds will be reallocated to departments with deficits.
12.MLA,P.M.Narendra alleged that some departments lack accurate spending information for grants under various schemes and suggested for removing Section 7(c).A separate meeting will be held to discuss this with officials.MLA Narendra Swamy also requested laptops for P.G.students, needing Rs.318 crore, to be covered by saved funds.
13.The state’s total development budget is Rs.1,60,000 crore, with this Rs.39,121.46 crore allocated to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes across various departments and it is a Rs.3,900 crore increase from last year.
14.Grants should be used effectively.Officials must ensure they reach those in need.The social welfare department and Corporations under it should collaborate in this matter.
15.All allocated funds must be spent within the same year. Negligence or irresponsibility by officials will be taken seriously.
16.A residential school will be established in each hobli, with 25% of seats for outsiders and 75% for locals.Issues in these schools need to be addressed and improved.All hostels should have wardens, and all the facilities should be provided announced in the budget.
17.In some Scheduled Tribes Ashram schools students are not staying in hostels in night time and they are returning home.Officials are instructed to ensure good food and education and students stay in the hostels
18.The implementation of SCSP/TSP schemes and guarantee schemes will be evaluated to understand social and economical improvement of SC/ST beneficiaries.SCSP/TSP schemes’ progress will be reviewed after three months.
19. A well equipped hostel will be built in New Delhi for the candidates taking coaching for various civil service exams.The location for this hostel will be identified soon.Their monthly stipend will be increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs.15,000 for these candidates.
