DC directs officials to ensure lawful use of SCP, TSP funds

Mysuru: Deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy on Wednesday directed officials to ensure lawful use of funds reserved under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Act, stressing that the grants must exclusively benefit eligible SC/ST communities.He was speaking after inaugurating a training workshop for district, taluk, and MCC-level implementing officers at the University Science Bhavan. The workshop was organised by district administration, ZP, the department of women and child development, and social welfare department.
The DC noted that the SC/ST grievance committee convenes once every 3 months, to address concerns raised by the community. Referring to complaints about sites meant for SC/ST beneficiaries being allotted to ineligible people, he assured that thorough verification would be undertaken. He also acknowledged reports of SCP-TSP funds being used for road and drainage work in areas without significant SC/ST population, and directed that such cases must be investigated.He instructed officials to strictly follow govt guidelines and approved work charts, ensuring that projects are implemented only after due listing and approval by the concerned CC or gram panchayats. To enhance accountability, he mandated that assistant directors and joint directors of social welfare department personally inspect and certify development works in SC/ST-dominated areas.Social welfare joint director B Rangegowda highlighted that 24.1% of the budget is earmarked under SCP-TSP for socio-economic and educational upliftment of the communities. He cautioned that the misuse of these funds will invite legal penalties and urged officials to ensure transparent implementation.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Holi wishes, messages and quotes !