Ballari DC pulls up officials for delay in spending SCSP, TSP grants

Deputy Commissioner Nagendra Prasad K. expressed strong displeasure at officials for failing to utilise funds allocated under the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) schemes, stressing that the grants must be fully used for the welfare and development of the targeted communities.

Chairing a review meeting on the progress of SCSP and TSP implementation at his office on Thursday, he said that the State government had earmarked special allocations in the Budget to improve the economic conditions of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries. “It is the responsibility of every officer to ensure that these funds are spent exclusively for the intended beneficiaries and contribute to their personal and community development,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments to collect detailed information about farmers belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes, and to distribute farming equipment and other assistance to young farmers under these schemes. He directed officials to ensure that the benefits reach genuine beneficiaries without delay.

He also announced that nodal officers for SCSP and TSP would be appointed in all departments at the district-level, and that a district-level monitoring committee under his chairmanship would periodically review the progress. The data would then be consolidated for a State-level review, he added.

Mr. Prasad warned officials that any unspent funds under SCSP and TSP must be utilised before the end of the financial year in March. “Unspent State funds will be carried forward, but Central allocations will lapse. Hence, the departments must take timely action to avoid fund loss,” he clarified. He cautioned that any intentional negligence or failure to implement schemes for the benefit of Scheduled Castes and Tribes would invite disciplinary action.

During the review, the Deputy Commissioner took serious note of the slow progress of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) works in the district, pointing out that despite the release of funds twice by the State government, no significant expenditure or progress had been reported. He expressed dissatisfaction with the officials of the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department for their laxity.

The meeting also discussed the distribution of welfare benefits and equipment by various departments.

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Haris Sumair, Additional Superintendent of Police Naveen Kumar, Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Shashikant Shivpure, District Social Welfare Department Deputy Director Chidanandappa, and District Officer for Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Shashu Modin were present.