Allocation for the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan has been increased from Rs. 8,600 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 15,834.16 crore in 2014-15, an increase of 84 per cent.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday chaired a meeting of the State Council for Development of SCs, STs said funds have been allocated this year on the basis of the population of SCs, STs, which constitutes 24.1 per cent of the total population in the State.
PopulationThe percentage of SC, ST population in the State was 17.15 and 6.9 per cent, respectively.
The Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (Planning, Allocation and Utilisation of Financial Resources) Act, 2013, has been implemented in the State from April 2014. After Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka is the second State to implement it, he said.
The Act aims to prevent diversion of funds and spend allocated funds for the schemes that directly benefit the SC, ST population.
The Chief Minister has directed the nodal council, headed by Minister for Social Welfare H. Anjaneya, to revise the action plan after holding a meeting with officials concerned.
Priority to housingMr. Siddaramaiah directed the Social Welfare Department to give priority to housing, education, hostels, health, drinking water, irrigation and infrastructure development in the revised action plan.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra, R. Dhruvanarayana, MP, and top officials of various departments attended the meeting.
