National Commission for Scheduled Castes Demands Report on Alleged Diversion of Funds Meant for SC/ST Welfare in Karnataka
Bengaluru: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has instructed the state government to submit a detailed report concerning the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) towards other schemes. This request by NCSC follows media reports suggesting the misuse.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka state government, the NCSC has expressed its concern regarding the alleged redirection of the Scheduled Caste Sub Scheme (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Scheme (TSP) funds. The NCSC highlighted that the Government of Karnataka had decided to reallocate Rs 14,730 crore, initially designated under the SCSP and TSP, to support five guarantee schemes. The commission emphasised the crucial role these funds play in promoting the social and economic welfare of the SC/ST communities.
The NCSC’s letter demanded a comprehensive report within seven days, explaining the rationale behind the use of these funds for other schemes and ensuring that the welfare of the SC/ST communities is not compromised. The commission underscored the importance of these funds in advancing the social and economic conditions of these communities, stressing that any diversion could undermine their development.
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On Saturday Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraja Bommai has been vocal about this issue, accusing the state government of betraying the SC/ST communities by misappropriating funds earmarked for their welfare to finance election schemes. Speaking to reporters in Shiggavi in Haveri district Bommai alleged that the state government is facing financial distress and is resorting to reallocating funds from essential welfare programs to guarantee schemes. He pointed out that Rs 14,000 crore, which should have been used exclusively for the benefit of SC/ST communities, has instead been diverted.
Bommai further criticized the state government’s financial management, highlighting the increased prices of petrol and diesel as evidence of its economic troubles. He accused the government of transferring grants intended for SC/ST welfare to other guarantee schemes, which he claims is a violation of the law that mandates these funds to be used solely for SC/ST communities. According to Bommai, this reallocation is a clear breach of pre-election promises and constitutes a severe betrayal of the SC/ST populations.
In response, the Congress party has argued that the guarantee schemes also benefit SC/ST people, suggesting that the reallocation of funds is justified. However, Bommai remains adamant that the law explicitly requires the funds to be directed towards the SC/ST communities, and any deviation from this is unlawful and a betrayal of trust.
The NCSC’s intervention and the subsequent demands for a detailed report put significant pressure on the state government to justify its actions and ensure transparency. This issue not only raises questions about the allocation and management of welfare funds but also highlights the broader concerns of financial governance and accountability within the state.
As the situation unfolds, the response from the state government will be closely monitored by various stakeholders, including political leaders, social activists, and the SC/ST communities, who are directly impacted by these developments. The outcome of this inquiry will have significant implications for the credibility of the state government’s commitment to social justice and equitable development.
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