BJP SC Morcha Slams State Government Over Diversion of SCP, TSP Funds for Welfare Schemes

Fast Summary

• Issue Raised: BJP Scheduled Castes Morcha has criticized the Karnataka State government for diverting funds intended for Special Component Plan (SCP) and Scheduled Tribe Sub-Plan (TSP) to guarantee schemes.
• Purpose of SCP/TSP Plans: These plans were introduced to empower Scheduled Castes and Tribes socially, economically, and educationally through skill progress, education access, and promoting social justice.
• Funds Diverted:

– ₹39,000 crore diverted across three years:
– ₹11,114 crore in 2023-24
– ₹14,282 crore in 2024-25
– ₹11,896.84 crore in 2025-26

• Criticism by BJP Leader: Ambaraya Ashtagi alleged that decisions made under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership have hindered the core objectives of these plans and deprived marginalized communities of their rightful benefits.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The allegations highlight concerns over fund allocation priorities between targeted welfare initiatives like SCP/TSP and broader guarantee schemes. While redirecting funds may allow the government to fulfill populist promises under guarantee schemes benefiting larger groups such as AHINDA constituencies (minorities, backward classes, Dalits), it could undermine dedicated efforts aimed at uplifting specific oppressed sections within Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Striking a balance between broad-based developmental policies and community-specific empowerment programs will be crucial for addressing systemic inequalities effectively.Clear data transparency may help facilitate public scrutiny on resource utilization.

Read more: The Hindu