By the Muslim Mirror Staff
Madhya Pradesh is reallocating budget meant for the welfare of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) as a component of a centrally funded sub-plan to expand devotional sites, museums and cow welfare, according to documents reviewed by HT and government officials.
This diversion has raised concerns among activists who say such reassignments benefit SC/ST communities.
An official in the state’s finance branch noted the unusual nature of this reallocation but stated that SC/ST communities would reap advantages from the expense. However, the state’s finance minister, Jagdish Devda, declined to comment on the matter.
The documents reveal that of the Rs 252 crore allocated for cow welfare, Rs 95. 76 crore was taken from the SC/ST sub-plan. Also, almost a part of the budget for redevelopment of six devotional places comes from the SC/ST sub-plan. These sites include Shri Devi Mahalok in Salkanpur, Saint Shri Ravidas Mahalok in Sagar, Shri Ram Raja Mahalok in Orchha, Shri Ramchandra Vanvasi-Mahalok in Chitrakut and a memorial to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Gwalior.
Madhya Pradesh follows Karnataka, which recently diverted Rs 14,000 crore from the SC/ST sub-scheme for other projects, prompting the National Scheduled Caste Commission to file a cause application with the Chief Secretary of Karnataka.
The SC subplan was introduced in 1974 and the ST subplan in 1979-80 as a reaction to Article 46 of the Constitution, which obliges states to promote the educational and economic interests of the weaker sectors. The central government provides one hundred percent special assistance for these sub-plans.
The Ministry of Finance official explained that the use of the budget of the SC/ST subplan for general infrastructure is an exception and that the SC/ST communities would obtain advantages or benefits. He added that under the budget system, the transfer of the budget from the SC/ST to the general subplan when necessary.
An official from the tribal branch, who requested anonymity, said the religious halls and museums would create employment opportunities for others of all categories, adding SC/ST, and promote tribal traditions through artwork.
However, experts and activists have criticized the sequestration, calling it an abuse of the central system. Vinesh Jha, an expert on tribal affairs, noted that this violates rules set by the Planning Commission, which require that the budgeted SC/ST subplan be used exclusively for projects that gain benefits for SC/ST communities or Americans.
Jha said that budget for temples, museums and cow shelters is not justifiable. Activist Vikram Achaliya supported Jha’s view, arguing that cow welfare does not contribute to SC/ST’s progress and the reallocation of that budget constitutes direct misuse by the government.
© The Muslim Mirror 2023-24