Is the Karnataka Government Misusing SC-ST Funds?

Bengaluru, Aug 20 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka raised concerns on Wednesday regarding the diversion of funds from the Special Component Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), which are specifically designated for the welfare of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, towards the state’s guarantee schemes during the Assembly session, expressing strong disapproval of the government’s actions. In response, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa defended the allocations, asserting that the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (SCSP/TSP) Act allows for such fund utilization.

The matter was highlighted during the Question Hour by BJP MLA M. Chandrappa, who remarked, “The state budget has allocated Rs 42,000 crore under the Social Welfare Department for SC-ST welfare. Yet, only Rs 7,072 crore has been actually allocated, with the remainder redirected to other departments by the government. If this is true, why does the government take credit for allocating Rs 42,000 crore for Dalit welfare?”

BJP State General Secretary and MLA V. Sunil Kumar noted that the government had officially declared that Rs 13,500 crore from SCP-TSP funds would be applied to guarantees in the fiscal year 2024-25.

“Congress leaders boast about making a historic decision to allocate funds for SC-STs, yet these very funds are being misappropriated. How can the government apply these funds to general programs?” he questioned.

In a sarcastic remark, Sunil Kumar added, “Minister Mahadevappa can say that the KRS Dam was constructed by Tipu Sultan, but how can he remain mute regarding the utilization of funds for guarantees?”

JD(S) floor leader and MLA C.B. Suresh Babu stated that the government should restore the funds already misallocated.

Opposition Leader R. Ashoka accused the state administration of being a “habitual offender” in misusing SC-ST funds for guarantees.

“Had we done the same, Congress leaders would have expelled us. Even the late PM Indira Gandhi wrote letters condemning the misuse of funds meant for Dalits. Today, her words carry no weight,” he expressed.

Ashoka continued, “The allocation of funds designated for Dalits should be the responsibility of the Social Welfare Minister, not the Finance Minister. How dare this government misuse funds intended for Dalits?”

Responding to the allegations, Minister Mahadevappa stated, “Historically, Dalit funds were diverted through Section 7D, marked as deemed expenditure. The BJP government itself utilized Rs 8,000 crore during Covid and other instances. The Congress government also previously utilized Rs 4,000 crore in a similar manner. We removed Section 7D to prevent such misappropriation.”

He further emphasized, “We are ensuring that the funds allocated for SC-STs reach the rightful beneficiaries. There is no diversion or misuse. Section 7C of the Act permits fund utilization, and we are adhering to the Act.”

BJP MLA Sunil Kumar pressed on, questioning, “Can SC-ST funds be utilized for the benefit of the general populace?”

Mahadevappa replied, “These funds are specifically for SC-ST beneficiaries. Both the central and state governments in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh use them in accordance with NITI Aayog guidelines. I am not merely defending the government with this statement.”

Sunil Kumar countered, “The government asserts that Rs 1,500 crore from these funds has been allocated to the Shakti free travel scheme. How can you determine if the bus passengers utilizing it are SC-STs? This is a significant injustice to these communities. Had Mahadevappa not been a minister, would he not have opposed this himself?”

Senior BJP MLA S. Suresh Kumar added, “Minister Mahadevappa is a skilled advocate, yet he is defending a hopeless case.”

BJP MLA Chandrappa reiterated concerns regarding the diversion of Rs 13,500 crore intended for Dalits to general programs. “From the Rs 42,000 crore allocated for Dalits, funds are distributed across 34 departments,” he stated.

In defense of the allocations, Mahadevappa remarked, “Funds are distributed to 34 departments for initiatives such as Ganga Kalyan Yojana, agriculture, irrigation, horticulture, rural development, and more, ensuring that SC-ST communities receive benefits. This distribution was approved by both Houses of the legislature when the Act was enacted and has been discussed in the State Council to establish a pool fund or a single-window agency.”