SC, STs' nodal agency told to prepare plan prioritising works

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he has directed the nodal agency for evaluating and appraising sub-plans for SCs and STs, to prepare an action plan to prioritise development works in some important sectors including infrastructure and irrigation.

"I have asked them to submit the action plan report in 15 days," he told reporters here after an official meeting on the issue.

The nodal agency, envisaged under the Karnataka Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan (Planning, allocation and utilization of Financial Resources) Act, was set up to evaluate and appraise sub-plans, prepare sub-plans and review execution of schemes, among other things, Siddaramaiah said.

The agency is headed by Social Welfare Minister Anjanaiah and seven secretaries of different departments are its members. Siddaramaiah said the government felt the necessity to prepare the action plan as the development plans under the legislation lacked focus.

The government will be spending Rs 15,834.16 crore, which has been allocated, for schemes directly benefiting SCs ad STs and for other matters, the Chief Minister said. The act, based on the Andhra Pradesh model, envisages allocation of state plan outlay to be in proportion to the population of SCs and STs, he said.It also prevents diversion of allocated funds and spend for schemes directly benefiting SCs ad STs and other matters, he said.

The act provides for imprisonment of official upto six months for willfully neglecting their duties and responsibilities under the SC, ST sub plan, he said.