Karnataka Achieves 97% Utilization of SC/ST Welfare Funds, Aims for Full Compliance
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Directs Expedited Action on Pending Central Grants and Stricter Implementation of Welfare Schemes
Bengaluru: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Karnataka has achieved a 97% utilization of allocated funds for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) welfare programs in the last fiscal year. The state government released ₹38,793 crore, of which ₹38,717 crore was effectively spent. However, a pending central grant of ₹880 crore remains unallocated, prompting the Chief Minister to direct officials to expedite its release.
The progress was reviewed during a high-level meeting of the State Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Development Council at Vidhana Soudha. Senior officials, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Ministers Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, Priyank Kharge, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Satish Jarakiholi, and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, were present.
Decade of Progress, Yet Challenges Remain
Marking ten years since the implementation of the SCSP/TSP Act, Karnataka has conducted an evaluation through ICSE to assess its impact. The study focused on 39 talukas with high SC/ST populations, analyzing education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and living standards.
The state has recorded an annual growth rate of 9.6% in development fund allocation over the past decade, outperforming many other states. However, Siddaramaiah noted that while ₹2.97 lakh crore has been spent since the Act’s inception, expected socio-economic transformation remains incomplete.
“Despite significant expenditure, if the living standards of SC/ST communities haven’t improved adequately, it is a matter of shame,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Stricter Enforcement of Welfare Schemes
The SCSP/TSP Act mandates a minimum allocation of 24.1% of the state budget annually. However, in 2019-20, actual disbursement fell short. Siddaramaiah emphasized the need for stricter compliance, warning against negligence.
“Departments must prepare actionable plans to ensure schemes reach 100% of the intended beneficiaries. Any delay in fund utilization will invite legal action against responsible officers,” he stated.
This year, ₹42,017.51 crore has been allocated, with directives to ensure full expenditure. Banks were also cautioned against delays in financing welfare projects, with non-compliance to face penalties.
Crackdown on Devadasi System
In a significant move, the government announced a renewed survey starting September to rehabilitate Devadasis and enforce stricter penalties against those perpetuating the practice. Legal amendments will introduce harsher punishments for families coercing women into the system.
“If the Devadasi system still exists, it is a collective failure. We must act decisively to eradicate it,” Siddaramaiah asserted. The Social Welfare and Women & Child Development departments will collaborate on rehabilitation efforts.
Focus on Marginalized Communities
The meeting also addressed welfare programs for Safai Karmacharis and other marginalized groups. The Chief Minister stressed constitutional obligations, stating, “If schemes fail, the objectives of social justice remain unfulfilled.”
Housing schemes for SC/ST communities saw ₹1,086 crore released last year, with directives to ensure eligible beneficiaries receive accommodations without delay.
Road Ahead
While Karnataka leads in welfare spending, Siddaramaiah underscored the need for outcome-oriented implementation. “The Act’s spirit must not be diluted. Departments must prioritize education, healthcare, and economic upliftment,” he concluded.
With renewed scrutiny on fund utilization and social reforms, the state aims to bridge gaps in delivering equitable development.
Key Quotes:
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CM Siddaramaiah: *”Despite spending ₹2.97 lakh crore, if SC/ST communities’ lives haven’t improved enough, it’s a matter of shame.”*
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On Devadasi System: “If this practice still exists, it’s a collective failure. We must act decisively to end it.”
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On Fund Utilization: “Schemes must reach 100% of beneficiaries. Negligent officers will face legal action.”
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On Central Grants: “₹880 crore is pending from the Centre. Officials must ensure its immediate release.”
