Karnataka Seeks ₹880 Crore Central Grants Amid 97% Progress in SCSP/TSP

Fast Summary

• Karnataka has achieved 97% fund utilization under the scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and the tribals sub-Plan (TSP), with ₹38,717 crore utilized out of ₹38,793 crore released last year.
• ₹880 crore from the Center for centrally sponsored schemes is still pending, and Chief minister Siddaramaiah has instructed departments to expedite securing these funds.
• The SCSP/TSP Act mandates allocating at least 24.1% of Karnataka’s annual budget for SC/ST welfare. Over ₹2.97 lakh crore has been spent under this framework in a decade.
• For 2024-25, an allocation of ₹42,017.51 crore has been earmarked for SC/ST welfare programs.
• A study by ISEC evaluated progress in social parameters like education and health over a decade; Karnataka showed steady improvement with a 9.6% growth rate in development grants annually.
• A fresh survey on former Devadasis will be conducted from September to identify those not yet rehabilitated and extend rehabilitation efforts.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also emphasized designing targeted welfare programs for sanitation workers and other marginalized groups.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The consistent fund utilization rate of 97% demonstrates effective deployment of resources under the SCSP/TSP framework in Karnataka; though, concerns about delayed central grants highlight intergovernmental funding challenges that could impact program continuity. Despite significant financial investments exceeding ₹2.97 lakh crore over a decade, key developmental goals related to social upliftment remain unmet according to officials’ assessments-pointing toward structural inefficiencies or gaps that need addressing.

The upcoming fresh Devadasi survey signals the state’s commitment to tackling entrenched social issues such as forced practices still prevalent despite legal prohibitions. By coordinating between departments for enhanced data collection and implementation plans, there is potential to create meaningful change among vulnerable communities.

these developments reflect sustained efforts by the Karnataka government towards inclusive development but underscore persistent disparities requiring refined strategies going forward.

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