Question : REVIEW OF SCs WELFARE SCHEMES

(a) whether the Government have reviewed the progress of Planned Programme and other schemes under operation for development of SCs in the country during Ninth Five Year Plan till date;

(b) if so, the details of the findings thereof, Scheme-wise and State-wise;

(c) whether certain States have diverted the funds earmarked for development of SCs to other heads;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against those States; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure proper utilization of funds earmarked for the development of SCs by each State in future?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (SHRI KAILASH MEGHWAL )

(a) & (b) The Planning Commission constituted a Working Group on Empowering the Scheduled Castes in the context of the formulation of the Tenth Five Year Plan to review among other things the ongoing policies and programmes and their implementation for the welfare, development and empowerment of Scheduled Castes schemes are not formulated State wise but for the whole country.

(c) No case of diversion of funds released for development of Scheduled Castes by this Ministry, has been reported although utilization certifications are often sent late, thereby affecting the funding of programmes

(d) Does not arise.

(e) The following steps are taken by the Ministry to ensure proper utilization of funds earmarked for the welfare of SCs:

(i) The Ministry releases grants only after receiving Utilization Certificates and progress Reports of previous funds.

(ii) The implementation of the schemes is reviewed with the Senior Officers of the State Governments /UT Administrations.

(iii) The Officers of the Ministry also undertake field visits.