NCSC issues notice to Karnataka govt in diversion of funds for SCs

New Delhi [India], July 11 (ANI): The National Commission for Schedule Castes on Thursday took a suo-motto cognizance and issued a notice to the Karnataka Government in the diversion of funds allocated for scheduled castes in Karnataka.
Following the notice, the National Commission for Schedule Castes (NCSC) has also asked for a detailed report on the issue from the Karnataka government within a time period of seven days.
NCSC has said that the Karnataka Government has diverted the allocated funds for the welfare of scheduled castes and called this move "unconstitutional".
Kishor Makwana, the Chairman of NCSC, on issued notice, said, "Karnataka Government has misused and diverted the funds allocated for the Schedule Castes of the states. This move of Karnataka's Congress government is unconstitutional and against the welfare of the scheduled castes. In this regard, the National Commission for Schedule Castes has taken a suo-motto cognizance and issued a notice to the Karnataka government. The commissions have given a time of 7 days to the government to submit their answer in this regard. If the government fails to give answers, then we will take stricter actions against this unconstitutional move."
Earlier in the day, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on NCSC's notice to Karnataka over the alleged diversion of SC/ST funds, Shivakumar said that there is nothing wrong with it.
"We have brought a law, whatever money we are spending, we are spending to the same community people, like this percentage of money we are going to spend on the concerned. First, it was brought in Andhra Pradesh, then we have brought it. There is nothing wrong in it," he said.
Earlier in February, while presenting the 15th consecutive budget of the state for fiscal year 2024-25, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized a robust framework for social welfare and minority empowerment with the allocation of Rs 39,121 crore under the Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan scheme.
Demonstrating a concerted effort to uplift these communities, Rs 27,674 crore is earmarked for the Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Rs 11,448 crore for the Scheduled Tribes Sub-Plan, of the proposed amount.
Additionally, Rs 2,710 crore is allocated for the construction of residential schools and hostels, aimed at providing quality education and accommodation to students from these communities.
To further strengthen the welfare of scheduled tribes, the budget introduced several key initiatives. (ANI)