NITI Aayog pitches for better funds for SC/ STs
Stating that the guidelines aim at an inclusive development of the SC/ST communities, they also pitched for higher allocation of funds, apart from better utilisation of funds by the ministries and states.
All central ministries and states may now have to compulsorily allocate increased funds in their budgets for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), a set of fresh guidelines drafted by NITI Aayog has stated.
Stating that the guidelines aim at an inclusive development of the SC/ST communities, they also pitched for higher allocation of funds, apart from better utilisation of funds by the ministries and states.
The guidelines have been sent to all ministries and departments for their comments.
Referring to the funds as Development Action Plan for SCs and STs, the Niti Aayog guidelines said the overall earmarking of funds for the SC/ST communities should be allocated against the total funds under certain schemes in the ministry and not against its entire budget.
The guidelines also state that certain ministries and departments such as ministries of mines and culture, which do not have any scheme for SCs and Sts, should set aside the funds, "evolve new and focused interventions" and use it for activities or schemes directly benefiting SC/STs in consultation with nodal ministries of social justice and empowerment and tribal affairs.
It states that ministries such as housing and urban affairs, petroleum and natural gas, departments of consumer affairs, fertilisers, which directly or indirectly affect the welfare of SC/STs, should earmark funds to the extent of at least 50 per cent of the population proportion of SC/STs in the 2011 census. Ministries which have been earmarking funds only for SCs will have to keep aside funds for STs too and vice versa.
The guidelines further mention that state-wise distribution of allocation of funds under various centrally-sponsored schemes should be proportionate to the SC/ST population in the state or UT.
The guidelines also state the SC communities should also benefit from schemes implemented for other vulnerable sections of the society, such as those for senior citizens, transgenders, drug addicts among others, in addition to the existing funds allocated to them.
Sources said, as per the guidelines, NITI Aayog will also play a role in ensuring that the funds are earmarked by the ministries and periodically review their performance in terms of their utilisation.